Summary

In this episode of After the Well, host Melissa Lapin interviews 12-year-old Eli Waters, who shares his unique perspective on faith, God, and identity. Eli discusses his journey of understanding his relationship with God, the importance of community, and how he communicates with God through dreams and personal reflection. He emphasizes the significance of God's love and the need for everyone to recognize their worth. Eli also expresses his passion for acting and how he sees God's presence in the arts, drawing lessons from the musical Wicked about identity and self-acceptance. In this engaging conversation, Melissa Lapin and Eli & Brooke Waters explore themes of leadership, community, and the importance of self-love. They discuss the portrayal of kingship in movies, the significance of community in personal development, and the journey of writing a book aimed at empowering children. The dialogue emphasizes the need to see the good in others and the importance of understanding God's love as opposed to fear. Eli shares insights from his own experiences and aspirations, encouraging young leaders to embrace their potential and love themselves.

Takeaways

• Eli emphasizes the importance of community in his faith journey.
• He believes that God shows love in various ways throughout life.
• Eli communicates with God through dreams and personal reflection.
• Understanding God's love is crucial for reassurance in tough times.
• Eli encourages others to recognize their worth and identity in God.
• He expresses a strong desire to be an actor and performer.
• Eli sees God's presence in all aspects of life, including the arts.
• He believes everyone deserves a chance to express their true identity.
• Eli discusses the importance of staying true to oneself, even when faced with criticism.
• He highlights the idea that the root of everything is good, as God has already won the battle.  God's gifts are irrevocable, regardless of one's past.
• Leadership qualities can shine through in unexpected ways.
• Kings are fearless and intentional in their actions.
• Community plays a crucial role in personal development.
• Misjudgments in relationships can lead to misunderstandings.
• Finding the kingdom in unlikely places can change perspectives.
• Every story has a heart that deserves to be understood.
• Self-love is essential in overcoming anxiety and judgment.
• Young leaders have the potential to influence their communities positively.
• God's love is about acceptance, not fear.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Hélène Biandudi Hofer shares her journey as a traveler through people's lives, influenced by her multicultural background and family values. She discusses the importance of storytelling and journalism in breaking down prejudices and fostering understanding. The role of faith in her life is explored, highlighting how her upbringing shaped her spiritual journey and perspectives on relationships with God. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of spirituality in contemporary society. In this conversation, Melissa Lapin and Hélène Biandudi Hofer explore the themes of God's goodness, the complexities of journalism, and the importance of understanding identity in conflict resolution. They discuss the evolution of Hélène's work in journalism, her reflections on past reporting practices, and the need for deeper conversations that acknowledge the complexities of human experiences. The dialogue emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals through Christ and the necessity of recognizing the goodness within ourselves to foster compassion and understanding in society. In this conversation, Hélène Biandudi Hofer and Melissa Lapin explore the complexities of healthy conflict, the necessity of inner work, and the distinction between humility and humiliation. They emphasize the importance of listening and curiosity in relationships, advocating for deeper understanding and connection. The discussion also touches on personal growth, emotional intelligence, and practical tips for improving communication.

Takeaways

• Hélène identifies as a traveler through people's lives.
• Her parents' multicultural background influenced her worldview.
• Storytelling can break down prejudices and foster understanding.
• Faith was not forced upon her but allowed to develop naturally.
• Experiences of racism shaped her understanding of societal dynamics.
• Her parents taught her the importance of dialogue over conflict.
• Hélène's faith blossomed in high school through diverse worship experiences.
• She emphasizes the significance of personal relationships with God.
• The shift from institutional religion to personal spirituality is notable.
• Hélène believes in the power of intentional interactions to create change. God is inherently good, as portrayed by Jesus.
• Rethinking God leads to deeper conversations about faith.
• Conflict in journalism can stem from oversimplified narratives.
• Understanding identity is crucial in addressing societal issues.
• Compassion and understanding are essential in conflict resolution.
• The media often fails to capture the complexity of stories.
• Personal experiences shape our perceptions of others.
• Navigating difficult conversations requires intentionality and practice.
• Unity in Christ connects us all on a deeper level.
• Recognizing the goodness within ourselves is vital for societal change. Healthy conflict requires understanding and listening to others.
• Inner work is essential for personal growth and healthy relationships.
• Humility should not be equated with humiliation.
• Curiosity about ourselves and others fosters better communication.
• Listening is a skill that can be practiced and improved.
• People desire to be heard and understood in their relationships.
• Reflecting on past conflicts can reveal opportunities for growth.
• It's important to differentiate between being wrong and not achieving God's best.
• Our reactions often stem from our own insecurities and unresolved issues.
• Engaging in deeper conversations can lead to more meaningful connections.

Summary

In this episode, Melissa Lapin and Inna Harriman explore the themes of authenticity, truth, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of showing up for oneself, the boldness of Fatini as a model for truth, and the necessity of owning one's story. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the power of embodying one's authentic self to inspire others. They also touch on the significance of forgiveness and moving beyond shame to embrace a life of authenticity and purpose. In this conversation, Melissa Lapin and Inna Harriman explore the themes of authenticity, self-care, and the importance of trusting God in our personal journeys. They discuss how embracing one's true self allows individuals to 'eat from the tree of life,' leading to a more fulfilling existence. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of moving forward, nurturing the body, and understanding one's identity through a spiritual lens. The hosts encourage listeners to engage in a divine partnership with God, likening life to a dance where both parties must participate actively. Ultimately, they highlight the necessity of each person's unique contribution to the collective puzzle of life.

Takeaways

• When you show up as your authentic self, you attract others to truth.
• Showing up for yourself is essential for personal growth.
• Fatini exemplifies boldness and the power of truth.
• We are interconnected and need to support each other's authenticity.
• Owning your story is crucial for growth and healing.
• Moving beyond shame allows us to embrace our true selves.
• Forgiveness is a vital part of the healing process.
• Living in the present is more important than dwelling on the past.
• Our voices and stories matter in the larger narrative.
• Authenticity requires a conscious effort to break free from societal labels.
• Choosing authenticity leads to a more fulfilling life.
• Self-care is essential for nurturing our bodies and spirits.
• Trusting God is crucial in our personal journeys.
• Life is a dance, and we must actively participate.
• Each person's unique identity contributes to the whole.
• Facing fears is part of the journey to authenticity.
• Finding beauty in everyday moments renews hope.
• We are called to take care of ourselves as a mission.
• Maturity in faith comes through process and trust.
• We need each other to complete the puzzle of life.

Summary

In this episode of After the Well, Melissa Lapin and Keadren Petrone explore the importance of showing up for oneself, the role of energy healing, and the holistic approach to health that encompasses body, mind, and spirit. They discuss the significance of awareness in personal growth and healing, the necessity of self-care, and the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. The conversation emphasizes the need for deeper understanding and connection with oneself and others, encouraging listeners to embrace their journey towards wholeness and healing.

Takeaways

• Showing up for yourself is essential for personal growth.
• Conflict can lead to deeper connections and understanding.
• The body, mind, and spirit are interconnected and should be treated as a whole.
• Awareness is the first step towards healing and personal development.
• Self-care should focus on healing the body, not just the mind.
• It's important to listen to your body and its needs.
• Asking better questions can lead to greater self-awareness.
• Healing is a journey that requires patience and commitment.
• The body of Christ includes all people, not just those in church.
• It's never too late to start taking care of yourself.

Summary

In this episode, Melissa Lapin and Keadren Petrone discuss the importance of showing up for oneself, the metaphor of home renovation as a means of personal healing, and the significance of acknowledgment, awareness, and acceptance in the healing process. They explore how emotional health impacts physical well-being and the cultural perspectives on healing and energy. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity and the rejection of societal pressures to conform to a 'niche' or singular identity.

Takeaways

• Showing up for yourself is essential for personal growth.
• Life experiences can serve as metaphors for emotional healing.
• Home environments significantly impact emotional well-being.
• Clutter can lead to chaos, while cleanliness promotes clarity.
• Anxiety often stems from a lack of control over situations.
• Acknowledgment and awareness are crucial for healing.
• Acceptance leads to actionable steps in personal development.
• Real healing requires hard work and bravery.
• Cultural perspectives on healing can vary widely.
• Authenticity is key to personal fulfillment.

Summary

In this episode, Melissa Lapin and Miranda Grace explore Miranda's journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and empowerment. They discuss the impact of childhood experiences on identity, the search for peace and understanding of God, and the allure of the supernatural and new age practices. Miranda shares her insights on the importance of recognizing one's union with God and the power that comes from this awareness, particularly for women seeking their voice and identity in a male-dominated spiritual landscape. In this conversation, Miranda and Melissa explore various themes surrounding spirituality, cultural perspectives, and the intersection of different belief systems. They discuss the use of tarot and other modalities as tools for personal growth and understanding, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for women to share and connect. The dialogue highlights the power of vulnerability, the significance of intention in spiritual practices, and the role of sensory experiences in deepening one's connection to the divine. Ultimately, they advocate for empowerment through faith and action, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique spiritual journeys without fear of judgment. In this conversation, Melissa Lapin and Miranda explore the themes of sacred space, intentionality in spiritual practices, and the importance of individuality in one's relationship with God. They discuss how to connect with the divine without the constraints of traditional rituals and the significance of questioning religious norms. The dialogue emphasizes the need for personal expression in spirituality and the understanding that God can manifest in diverse forms, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique spiritual journeys.

Takeaways

• Miranda is the founder of Grace Rebellion, focusing on women's empowerment.
• Childhood experiences shaped Miranda's understanding of God and spirituality.
• Seeking peace led Miranda to explore different churches and spiritual practices.
• Miranda's supernatural experiences began in childhood and influenced her journey.
• The new age movement often attracts those seeking power and healing from trauma.
• Women in the witchy community often seek empowerment and self-preservation.
• Miranda emphasizes the importance of understanding one's union with God.
• The power of intention and words is a common theme in both new age and Christian practices.
• Awareness of one's spiritual identity can transform experiences and perspectives.
• True empowerment comes from recognizing the divine within oneself. Cultural perspectives on spirituality can vary widely.
• Tarot cards can serve as triggers for deeper understanding.
• Creating safe spaces fosters vulnerability and connection.
• Truth exists across different belief systems.
• Rituals and intentions play a significant role in spirituality.
• Senses can enhance spiritual experiences and connections.
• Empowerment comes from faith and action, not just belief.
• Vulnerability is a powerful tool in community building.
• Critical thinking is often lacking in spiritual discussions.
• Everything in spirituality can be redeemed and redefined. The power of connection with God is inherent and does not rely on rituals.
• Creating a sacred space is valuable, but true union with God is always present.
• Intentionality in spiritual practices enhances the experience of communion with God.
• Individuality in spirituality allows for personal expression and connection with the divine.
• Jesus did not come to establish a religion but to challenge existing norms.
• God can manifest in various forms, meeting individuals where they are.
• Questioning religious beliefs is essential for spiritual growth and understanding.
• Setting intentions is crucial for aligning with one's s

Summary

In this episode of After the Well, Melissa Lapin and Candice Frye explore themes of grief, celebration of life, and supernatural encounters following the loss of a loved one. Candice shares her journey as a widow, the unique ways she honored her late husband, and the profound experiences she had during a retreat. The conversation delves into cultural perspectives on death, the importance of celebrating life, and the signs that can connect us to those we've lost. In this heartfelt conversation, Candice Frye shares her journey of navigating grief after the loss of her husband to cancer. She discusses the emotional turmoil, the importance of trusting God, and the challenges faced during treatment. The dialogue explores the complexities of love, loss, and the spiritual connections that can arise in times of suffering. Candice reflects on her regrets, the significance of diet in cancer treatment, and the profound moments shared with her husband before his passing. Ultimately, she emphasizes the importance of finding strength and moving forward while honoring the memory of loved ones. In this conversation, Candice Frye shares her profound journey through grief after the loss of her husband, discussing the panic attacks she experienced, the importance of community support, and the necessity of setting boundaries with unsupportive individuals. She emphasizes the healing power of journaling and writing, recounts supernatural experiences that provided comfort, and reflects on her memoir detailing her life and struggles with abuse. Candice also discusses her upcoming book aimed at helping others navigate life after loss, encouraging trust in God as a source of strength and healing.

Takeaways

• Candice Frye is a flight attendant and a widow navigating her new life.
• Celebrating the life of a loved one can be a joyful experience.
• Candice hosted a party to honor her late husband on the anniversary of his death.
• The Day of the Dead celebrations highlight the importance of honoring those who have passed.
• Supernatural experiences can provide comfort and connection after loss.
• Cultural traditions around death can vary greatly and influence how we grieve.
• It's important to celebrate the individuality of the deceased during memorials.
• Candice felt a strong presence of her husband during a retreat.
• The conversation challenges traditional views on funerals and memorials.
• Grief can be a complex journey, but it can also lead to personal growth. God is the very breath that I breathe.
• Trusting God is a choice made in difficult times.
• Diet plays a crucial role in cancer treatment.
• Emotional pain can lead to uncharacteristic behavior.
• Conversations with God can provide comfort during grief.
• It's important to not take a loved one's pain personally.
• Unresolved issues can affect our physical health.
• Cherishing the last moments with loved ones is invaluable.
• Letting go can bring peace to both the caregiver and the patient.
• Finding strength in faith can help navigate through grief. Panic attacks can arise unexpectedly during grief.
• Community support is crucial during difficult times.
• Setting boundaries is essential for emotional well-being.
• Creating a personal sanctuary can aid in healing.
• Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing emotions.
• Supernatural experiences can provide comfort after loss.
• Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone.
• Trusting God can lead to healing and understanding.
• It's important to communicate needs during grief.
• Life after loss can be navigated with support and faith.

Summary

In this episode of After the Well, Melissa Lapin welcomes Brooke Waters for a deep and transformative conversation about faith, identity, and the complexities of healing. They explore personal experiences with the Trinity, the misconceptions surrounding healing, the nature of failure, and the importance of processing emotions. The discussion emphasizes the significance of community, self-awareness, and the journey of understanding one's emotions as valuable information rather than good or bad. In this conversation, Brooke Waters and Melissa Lapin explore the complexities of emotional healing, anxiety management, and the importance of self-awareness. They discuss how understanding one's emotions and processing them can lead to healing, the significance of core values in personal identity, and the role of family dynamics in shaping emotional intelligence. Brooke shares insights from her experiences as a trauma counselor and offers resources for emotional health, including her upcoming retreat and coaching sessions.

Takeaways

• Brooke Waters shares her journey of faith and identity.
• The importance of community in navigating personal beliefs.
• Emotions should be acknowledged as valuable information.
• Failure can be viewed as a gift and an opportunity for growth.
• Healing cannot be achieved through external measures alone.
• Understanding the Trinity is a personal journey.
• It's essential to process emotions rather than numb them.
• Expectations can lead to disappointment in relationships.
• The conversation highlights the significance of self-awareness.
• Acknowledging anger and other emotions is crucial for healing. Understanding safety is crucial for emotional healing.
• The body can hold onto emotions that need to be processed.
• Awareness of oneself enhances understanding of God.
• Anxiety is often a result of not knowing how to process emotions.
• Fear serves a purpose but shouldn't dictate daily life.
• Listening is more important than fixing someone's problems.
• It's okay to not have everything figured out.
• Grieving is a necessary part of emotional health.
• Core values are foundational to personal identity.
• Emotional intelligence is essential for healthy relationships.

Melissa introduces Session 3.

Melissa shares her end of the year thoughts as well as dreams for 2025.