A World of Difference

Have you ever heard these myths about neurodiverse relationships? Let's bust them! Myth 1: Neurodiverse relationships are doomed to fail. Myth 2: Neurodiverse individuals can't have healthy relationships. Myth 3: Neurodiverse couples can't communicate effectively. The truth will surprise you! Stay tuned as we uncover the reality behind these myths.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Barbara Grant

Barbara Grant, a neurodiverse couples coach and spiritual counselor, brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the table. Growing up in a tight-knit yet diverse family, Barbara's journey led her to navigate relationships with two neurodiverse husbands and a son, providing her with unique insights into the impact of neurodiversity in family dynamics. Her personal experiences have inspired her to become a mentor and a source of hope for others facing similar challenges. With her warm and empathetic approach, Barbara specializes in helping neurodiverse couples and individuals find healing and support in their relationships. Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, along with a number of certifications as an Autism Specialist and Neurodiverse Couples Coach. To Barbara Grant, “different” means delightful. She is editor and contributing author of the book, Uniquely Us: Gracefully Navigating the Maze of Neurodiverse Marriage, Autism and Faith, which is already available for pre-orders. Anyone who needs help can request a FREE 20 min Hope & Healing consultation through her website. Find Barbara on Linkedin.

"Neurodiverse people are wired differently. It's not worse, it's not better, it's different." - Barbara Grant

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Welcome and Introduction

00:03:51 - Understanding Neurodiversity

00:10:29 - Neurodiverse Relationships

00:11:00 - Neurodiverse Perspectives

00:15:02 - The Masking Experience

00:16:00 - Relational Stress and Self-Soothing

00:19:46 - Coaching Neurodiverse Couples

00:23:32 - Uniquely Us: A Book for Hope and Healing

00:28:29 - Addressing Shame and Unhealthy Behaviors

00:29:46 - Understanding Survival Mode and Trauma

00:32:36 - Healing Wounds in Marriage

00:34:36 - Navigating Neurodiversity in Faith Communities

00:39:06 - Accessing Support and Resources

00:43:29 - Embracing Neurodiversity and Building Relationships

00:45:20 - Exclusive Mini on Patreon

00:46:09 - Navigating Life's Challenges

00:47:33 - Global Reach and Impact

00:48:15 - Building Deeper Relationships

00:48:43 - Words of Encouragement

Podcast Social Media Links

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Have you ever heard these myths about gender equality in the church? 1. Women are not called to preach or lead. 2. Men are the only ones fit for leadership roles. 3. Women should only serve in supportive roles. A new children's book challenges these myths. Want to know more?

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guests are Amy Dixon & Rob Dixon

Amy Dixon is the author of three picture books—Maurice the Unbeastly, Sophie's Animal Parade, and Marathon Mouse—as well as a middle grade novel. When she's not writing, she is editing and marketing other people's books. She writes from her home in Clovis, California.

Rob Dixon is the author of Together in Ministry: Women and Men in Flourishing Partnerships. In addition to serving on InterVarsity staff for more than twenty-six years, Rob teaches at Fuller Theological Seminary and Fresno Pacific University. Rob was also on EPS 65 of the podcast.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the World of Difference podcast

00:01:31 - Introducing Amy and Rob Dixon

00:05:34 - Inspiration for "Penny Preaches"

00:08:54 - Importance of Representation

00:11:55 - Shaping Children's Gifts and Attributes

00:13:15 - Importance of Female Leadership in the Church

00:14:27 - Penny's Relationship with God

00:15:48 - Women's Call to Ministry

00:18:49 - Gender Equality in the Church

00:22:57 - Impact of Female Representation

00:27:15 - Challenging Gender Norms in Christianity

00:28:36 - Generational Change in Empowerment

00:28:54 - Urgency for Change

00:30:04 - Inclusivity of Boys in Empowerment

00:32:08 - Inspiring Little Girls and Boys

00:40:19 - Gratitude for the Community

00:40:53 - Support and Connection

00:41:24 - The Power of Being Present

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Are you ready to uncover the unexpected connection between racial justice and Christianity in US history? Get ready to be inspired and engaged as we reveal the surprising insights from this powerful conversation. Stay tuned to discover how this unexpected link can empower you to advocate for a more just and equitable world. You won't want to miss this eye-opening revelation.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Dr. Jemar Tisby

Jemar Tisby is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the Church's Complicity in Racism, How to Fight Racism. and How to Fight Racism: Young Reader's Edition. He is also a Professor of History at Simmons College of Kentucky in Louisville. Jemar has been a co-host of the "Pass the Mic" podcast since its inception seven years ago. His writing has been featured in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, and the New York Times among others. He is a frequent commentator on outlets such as NPR and CNN's New Day program. He speaks nationwide on the topics of racial justice, U.S. history and Christianity. Jemar earned his PhD in history and he studies race, religion, and social movements in the 20th century. You can follow his work through his newsletter, Footnotes, and on social media at @JemarTisby.

"There's a different way than maybe you've heard to follow Jesus, particularly when it pertains to race injustice. And I think it's a better way because in many ways, the black church arose as an ecclesiastical rebuttal to white supremacy explicitly to challenge white supremacy and racism." - Jemar Tisby

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:29 - Traveling for Book Tours

00:06:29 - International Travel and Research

00:09:35 - Processing the Visceral Experience of Travel

00:13:04 - The Universal Appeal of Travel

00:14:27 - The Power of History

00:15:38 - Travel and History

00:17:35 - The Impact of History on Politics

00:23:26 - Christianity and Politics

00:27:35 - The Role of the Black Church

00:28:57 - The Need for Resilience in Today's Political Climate

00:32:43 - Unpacking Hard Truths and Finding Hope

00:37:51 - Telling the Other Side of the Story

00:40:15 - Inspiring Stories of Resilience

00:42:43 - Challenging Propaganda and Embracing Freedom Faith

00:44:07 - Exploring the Intersection of Race and Christianity in History

00:45:04 - The Burden of Injustice on Affected Communities

00:47:01 - Dehumanizing Rhetoric and its Impact

00:49:27 - Embracing Common Humanity and Working Together

00:51:20 - The Resilience and Power of the Spirit of Justice

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If you're feeling the weight of past trauma and struggling to heal, then you are not alone! The journey to healing from abuse and trauma is often filled with challenges, and finding the right tools to navigate this journey can be overwhelming. But what if there was a resource that could guide you through this process and help you cultivate well-being?

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Dr. Chuck DeGroat

Chuck DeGroat is a professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he also serves as the founding executive director of the clinical mental health counseling program. He is a licensed therapist, spiritual director, author, retreat leader speaker, and faculty member with the Soul Care Institute. As a therapist, he specializes in navigating issues of abuse and trauma, pastoral (and leadership) health, and doubt and dark nights on the faith journey. He trains clergy in handling issues of abuse and trauma, conducts pastor and planter assessments, and facilitates church consultations and investigations of abuse. Before transitioning to training and forming pastors, Chuck served as a pastor in Orlando and San Francisco. He and his wife, Sara, have been married for 30 years and have two adult daughters.

Listen to our previous episode with Chuck DeGroat on EPS 42.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:11:03 - Faux Vulnerability in Church Leadership

00:13:09 - Misuse of Self-Work for Immunity

00:13:40 - Dysfunctional Dynamics in Churches

00:14:58 - Toxic Leadership and Manipulation

00:19:06 - Nervous System Dysregulation

00:22:10 - Healing Attachment Wounds

00:25:52 - Transformation and Non-Anxious Presence

00:26:17 - Recognizing Patterns of Toxic Behavior

00:27:24 - Accountability and Systemic Change

00:29:15 - Rebuilding for the Future

00:30:49 - Understanding Shame Dynamics

00:35:15 - Rediscovering the Goodness of the Heart

00:39:20 - Men Doing Deeper Work

00:40:02 - Bullying and Women

00:41:15 - Complimenting Each Other's Work

00:41:39 - Encouraging Curiosity and Healing

00:42:42 - Embracing Curiosity and Healing

00:53:11 - Finding Healing and Freedom

Trauma is not what happens to us, but what happens within. - Chuck DeGroat

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Does your workplace feel like a battleground at times? Have you been told to just toughen up and deal with it? The pain of workplace bullying can be isolating and damaging to your mental health, leaving you feeling trapped and powerless. If you're tired of feeling this way, it's time to find a better solution to address workplace bullying effectively. Let's explore how you can foster a culture of trust and openness in your teams to prevent workplace bullying and create a psychologically safe environment where everyone can thrive.

In this episode, you will be able to:

"Teams with high psychological safety are not only more innovative and productive, but they also create a workplace where bullying is less likely to occur." - Lori Adams-Brown

Lori Adams Brown, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in leadership development, has a personal connection to the issue of workplace bullying. Having been a target of workplace abuse herself, Lori knows firsthand the transformative power of psychological safety. Her journey through overcoming hard challenges and finding healing has fueled her passion for preventing and addressing workplace bullying. She has dived deep into research and personal stories of targets of workplace bullying to understand how psychological safety can play a pivotal role in creating a work environment that not only prevents bullying but also fosters trust and openness. Through her personal experiences and extensive insights, Lori is dedicated to sharing tools and knowledge, not only to help those who have been targets of workplace bullying but also to empower managers and leaders to cultivate psychologically safe teams. Her narrative-style approach evokes a sense of relatability, resonating with the emotions and experiences of her audience, making her an authentic and credible voice in fostering a culture of trust and openness in teams. She shares quick tips from the research and books she has studied as well as the patterns from the qualitative research from stories of targets themselves in order to help anyone wanting to prevent workplace bullying by recognizing the red flags and cultivating an work culture where bullying is prevented and quickly stopped.

Learn how to:

1. Build a culture of trust

2. Enhance mental well-being

3. Foster psychological safety

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:21 - Understanding Workplace Bullying

00:09:47 - Psychological Safety and Bullying Prevention

00:12:27 - Creating a Psychologically Safe Environment

00:14:30 - Creating a Culture of Acceptance and Feedback

00:15:28 - Swiftly Addressing Bullying

00:17:31 - Promoting Inclusivity and Respect

Resources:

EPS on spiritual abuse

EPS with grounding techniques with Dr. Debbie Pinkston

1. Google’s Project Aristotle

2. Amy Edmondson’s Work on Psychological Safety  

3. The Bully at Work

4. Workplace Bullying Institute

5. The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson

6. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

7. HBR 15 types of bullying

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Does this sound familiar? You've been told to work harder, take on more tasks, and just push through those workplace challenges, but the pain of feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and undervalued still lingers. It's time for a different approach to handle workplace adversity and trauma. Let's explore some strategies and support systems that can truly empower you and bring about real change. Join me in finding the right support and reclaiming your inherent value in the face of workplace challenges.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Karen Tay

Karen Tay is founder of Inherent, where her team helps women leaders navigate transitions and adversities in their work/life journeys. How Inherent supports women leaders is backed by robust research with Princeton University.

She is concurrently CEO and Head Coach at Threshold Allies, where she is a sought-after international coach and talent consultant, working with top leaders in business and government across Silicon Valley and Asia. She has leveraged her skills in leadership, talent development, strategy and policy to boost equality in cities, uplift underserved populations and women.

Previously, she was the Head (Senior Director) of Strategy and Operations and Chief of Staff to the CEO at Iterative Health, a fast-growing digital health company that raised $180M in funding. She also built and led global technology talent operations for Singapore's Smart Nation Initiative and Singapore Global Network, scaling the tech talent pipeline by 20X in three years. As a strategy advisor to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers of Singapore, she designed and implemented billion-dollar education and social policy reforms and was a political speechwriter.

She is a Singularity University faculty member, a Women's Forum editorial board member, published author, and a recipient of several awards and honors for her work in STEM and public good.

Join a special workshop with Karen Tay in partnershipwith A World of Difference podcast:

When work drama becomes work trauma: skills to help yourself and others (24 October, 5pm Pacific Time). Sign up here.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to Workplace Trauma and Betterhelp Sponsorship

00:02:55 - Karen's Background and Work at Inherent

00:07:37 - Key Findings from the Princeton White Paper

00:10:52 - Impact on Companies and Support for Women

00:13:17 - Gender Disparities and Workplace Bullying

00:14:31 - Gender Disparity in Promotions and Opportunities

00:15:46 - Hierarchy and Power Dynamics

00:16:27 - Workplace Adversity and Support

00:18:39 - Long-Term Impacts of Workplace Bullying

00:25:21 - Invisible Challenges for Women in the Workplace

00:28:44 - Challenges for Women in the Workplace

00:30:29 - The Burnout Trap

00:31:57 - Strategies and Policies

00:35:10 - Workplace First Aid

00:37:47 - You're Not Alone

00:42:43 - Joining the Difference Maker Community

00:43:27 - The Power of Deep Conversations

00:44:00 - Importance of Finding Safe Spaces

00:44:48 - Spurring On Conversations

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Have you wondered why so many keep saying they have been spiritually abused, and yet you wonder what spiritual abuse even is?

Dr. Karen Roudkovski shares her research in her latest book on spiritual abuse and the toll it takes on various types of people and in many types of spiritual spaces even outside of religious houses of worship.

Unlock the unexpected truth about spiritual abuse with a licensed therapist who has personally experienced it. Dive deep into the surprising insights and shocking realities of spiritual abuse and how it could happen to anyone, even in unexpected places. Don't miss the exclusive interview where she reveals why the statement "This would never happen to me" is a dangerous assumption. Get ready to be blown away by the eye-opening revelations about spiritual abuse and its impact. Stay tuned for the jaw-dropping truth that will change the way you view spiritual abuse forever.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Our special guest is:

Dr. Karen Roudkovski earned the Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees, in addition to a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and counseling professor. Dr. Roudkovski is the author of Understanding Spiritual Abuse: What it Is and How to Respond, Spiritual Abuse Assessment: A Tool for Survivors and Their Helpers which released on 8/1/24. She is the author of the forthcoming Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook: Engaging Faith in Healing. She is also the co-author of a forthcoming book entitled Counseling through the Storm, on the topic of crisis counseling in ministry and is currently writing a book on the topic of anxiety.

EPS with grounding techniques with Dr. Debbie Pinkston

EPS with Dr. Wade Mullen on Spiritual Abuse

EPS with Dr. Diane Langberg on Spiritual Abuse

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to Spiritual Abuse

00:01:40 - Trigger Warning and Grounding Techniques

00:05:49 - Defining Spiritual Abuse

00:08:20 - Writing the Book on Spiritual Abuse

00:15:00 - Minimization of Spiritual Abuse

00:16:12 - Damaging Effects of Spiritual Abuse

00:16:53 - Grooming and Spiritual Abuse

00:18:20 - Idealized Leadership and Hierarchical Structures

00:19:52 - Power Dynamics in Mega Churches

00:31:15 - Areas of Control in Spiritual Abuse

00:32:42 - Importance of Acceptance and Unrealistic Expectations

00:34:03 - Forms of Spiritual Abuse

00:36:14 - Isolation and Control

00:39:19 - Spiritual Abuse of Church Leaders

00:46:43 - Prevalence of Spiritual Abuse in Southern Baptist Ministers

00:47:20 - Qualitative Study on Associate Pastors' Experiences

00:48:09 - Denial of Spiritual Abuse

00:48:48 - Making Churches Safer

00:50:13 - Where to Find Karen Roudkovski

00:51:35 - Impact of Spiritual Abuse

01:01:36 - Appreciation for the Global Audience

01:02:10 - Importance of Reviews and Sharing

01:02:49 - Making a Difference 

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If you're feeling overwhelmed by the rise of Christian nationalism and the spread of harmful ideologies, then you are not alone! The misinformation and propaganda being disseminated can make it feel like an uphill battle. The struggle to dismantle these harmful narratives and combat Christian nationalism can be frustrating and disheartening. It's time to take action and implement strategies that actually work. Let's work together to dismantle these harmful ideologies and create a better future for all.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Scott Coley

Scott Coley, an accomplished scholar who holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Purdue University, a Master’s degree in systematic theology from the University of Notre Dame, and a B.A. in philosophy and English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research interests include philosophy of religion, moral epistemology and political philosophy. He serves on the philosophy faculty at Mount St. Mary’s University, where he teaches courses in moral and political philosophy, history of philosophy and logic. His newly released book is: Ministers of Propaganda: Truth, Power, and the Ideology of the Religious Right.

Follow Scott on:

Instagram

Twitter

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introducing Betterhelp

00:01:41 - Celebrating 200th Episode

00:06:20 - Impactful Our Story Series

00:09:54 - Building Connections

00:12:46 - Future Direction and Listener Engagement

00:15:25 - Embracing Different Perspectives

00:16:44 - Gratitude for Listeners

00:19:09 - Discussing Scott Coley's Book

00:22:49 - The Motivation to Write the Book

00:29:27 - Rapid Political Developments

00:30:51 - Backlash against women in leadership

00:36:32 - Ideology and hierarchy

00:38:05 - Christian nationalism

00:43:40 - Intersection of authoritarianism and abuse

00:47:35 - White evangelical theology and authoritarianism

00:48:21 - The Relationship Between Truth and Power

00:49:26 - Forms of Propaganda

00:55:15 - Misuse of Scripture

00:57:13 - Reframing Concepts in Politics and Religion

00:58:49 - Practical Steps for Addressing Propaganda

01:04:53 - Embracing Differences in Views

01:05:25 - Global Need for Dignity and Respect

01:06:09 - Engaging with the Audience

01:08:07 - Decoding Propaganda and Fear-Mongering

01:13:20 - Community Engagement and Gratitude 

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Here's a compelling hook for you: "Discover the unexpected journey of an immigrant's resilience and the power of collective action in creating a limitless life. Join us as we uncover the surprising impact of scarcity mentality and how to overcome it with empowerment and empathy. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation that will leave you inspired and motivated for positive change."

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Esther Zeledón

Meet Dr. Esther Zeledón, affectionately known as Doctor Ez, a resilient Latina immigrant and a force to be reckoned with. Her journey spans a wide range of roles, from entrepreneur and speaker to coach, award-winning diplomat, and international development professional. A true activist, mentor, extreme couponer, travel guru, dance queen, scientist, and author, Dr. Ez's latest book and number one workbook, "Creating Your Limitless Life on Your Terms," is a testament to her ability to guide others toward a life of fulfillment and joy. She leverages her diverse experiences to foster transformational change and build collective power, rooted in purpose, joy, peace, health, love, and prosperity. Dr. Ez's inspiring journey and insights make her a guiding light for those seeking to unleash their limitless potential and make a difference in the world.

Follow Esther:

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:01:06 - Introduction to Dr. Esther Zeledón

00:02:21 - Discussion on Venezuelan Elections

00:03:00 - Impact of Political Decisions

00:04:49 - Importance of Collective Action

00:14:38 - Unpacking Vision and Superpowers

00:18:39 - Embracing Diversity and Superpowers

00:21:55 - Scarcity Mentality in Politics

00:25:08 - Fostering Abundance Mindset

00:27:49 - Challenging Limiting Narratives

00:29:19 - Immigration and Economic Opportunity

00:31:57 - Immigrant Experience

00:35:57 - Navigating the System

00:39:36 - Overcoming Discrimination

00:40:36 - Modeling Authenticity and Inclusion

00:41:23 - Overcoming Stereotypes and Bias

00:43:23 - Writing a Memoir and Challenging Scrutiny

00:45:48 - Building Resilience and Empathy

00:49:44 - Creating Your Limitless Life

00:54:10 - Spreading Hope and Inspiration

00:54:55 - Impact of the Podcast

00:55:23 - Call to Action

00:55:53 - Exclusive Content and Community

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Have you heard these statements about a woman with leadership gifts? 1. That woman is less capable of leadership due to the way she talks/smiles/laughs/doesn't smile. 2. That woman doesn't have the potential because she just got lucky to be where she is. 3. She would be better suited for a supportive role because we need a strong man to lead. We will share the sexism behind these statements rooted in stereotypes, but let's dive deeper into confronting sexism in the church first.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Heather Matthews

The Rev. Dr. Heather Matthews is the Doctor of Ministry Program Manager at Wheaton College Graduate School. Dr. Matthews has also worked as a pastor, church planter, non-profit leader, and missionary for over twenty years. Heather has a D.Min. from Fuller Seminary, an M.A. in Educational Ministry and an M.A. in Counseling Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Heather’s area of expertise is women in church leadership. She is the author of Confronting Sexism in the Church: How We Got Here and What We Can Do About It published by InterVarsity Press which will be available August 27, 2024. Heather’s broad range of personal and professional experience allows her to teach and consult on topics including abuse and trauma; gender and sexuality; healthy Christian leadership; church planting and pastoral ministry; marriage and divorce; betrayal and pornography; social and racial justice issues, cross-cultural issues, and local and global mission.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to Confronting Sexism in the Church

00:02:26 - The Influence of Religion and Politics

00:08:44 - Role of Male Allies

00:11:10 - Personal Journey and Motivation for the Book

00:13:44 - Broad Examination of Sexism in Evangelicalism

00:14:40 - The Impact of Complementarian Culture

00:16:29 - Unconscious Sexism and Hidden Patriarchy

00:19:10 - Women's Stories of Sexism and Discrimination

00:21:43 - Lack of Equity in Church Leadership

00:26:07 - Shaping Perspectives through Diverse Backgrounds

00:31:21 - Impact of the Last 50 Years on Women in the Church

00:33:19 - Gender Biases in Leadership

00:35:20 - Visibility of Women's Contributions

00:38:00 - Sexist Tropes and Gender Expectations

00:43:58 - Creating Supportive Environments for Women in Churches

00:46:53 - The Reality of Abuse in the Church

00:47:33 - Sexism in the Church and Abuse

00:48:21 - The Church's Problem with Sexism

00:49:29 - Confronting Sexism Everywhere

00:50:35 - Creating Gender Equalities in Leadership

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