All Things

Film 1: Halloween (1978). Michael Myers is an icon, which means he embodies something that massive groups of people resonate with on a primal level. So what of our fears does Michael Myers expose? And how can we stare him in face with confidence and hope?

Film 2: Martyrs (2008). A Martyr is a witness. If a group labels someone a martyr, it means that group believes the martyr tells the truth. How can our own suffering teach us truth, and what is the right way to approach the suffering of others?

(Wil wants to make clear he does not recommend anyone actually watch this second movie)

We marked the E sticker on this episode not because any swear words are used, but because we talk directly about some traumatic experiences that may not be appropriate for every listening situation, or for younger listeners. 
Original Score by Wilson Ryland

All Things? Yes, even the dark and terrible. This week we launch into a Lent series looking at what horror, God, and traditional Christian practices like Advent, Ash Wednesday & Lent, and Halloween (All Hallows Eve) have to do with each other. 

We tackle the question, “Why horror?” to see how it might play a role in helping us become more honest, brave, and hopeful - which is a tricky combination to pull off!

We marked the E sticker on this episode not because any swear words are used, but because we talk directly about some traumatic experiences that may not be appropriate for every listening situation, or for younger listeners. 

www.shemasd.org

Original Score by Julius Obregon Jr.

We pick the mind of a designer committed to making more humane things to help us understand what is going on with our devices and better evaluate how we use them.

Then we explore how Aristotle, and Christian teaching on training in virtue through intentional habits and fasting can help us navigate our current technological challenges.

www.shemasd.org

Original Score by Julius Obregon Jr. and Wilson Ryland

Ever pick up your phone just to check the time, lose 30 minutes, or even hours, and feel like your brain has been hacked? Have you felt a connection between your constant connectivity and increased anxiety and sleeplessness? 

Even Mark Zuckerburg knows we have a problem. But, just what is it? We’re mad, but at what or whom? This week we explore the pain points we encounter in our current use of technology and how our psychology is being used against us as developers design for addiction. We name and clarify the problem to help you engage our technological world in more humane ways.

www.shemasd.org

Score by Wilson Ryland

Center for Humane Technology: https://humanetech.com

Jean Twinge Article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/

Cal Newport's "Digital Minimalism": https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Minimalism-Choosing-Focused-Noisy/dp/0525536515/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3FCEB8DWI8KIY&keywords=digital+minimalism&qid=1581530741&sprefix=digital+mini%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-2

Article on Zuckerberg's "Sleep Box": https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/29/health/mark-zuckerberg-sleep-box-trnd/index.html

Compassion fatigue: If you care about people, and are paying attention, you've probably had it (or do). 

Kristi Gaultiere (Psy.D.; LPC4 and MFT29887 in CA, and co-founder of Soul Shepherding) helps us understand what is going on when we know we should care, but just can't anymore. And how we can move from caring in the abstract to actually engaging the really people and issues around us.

www.shemasd.org

www.soulshepherding.org

Original Score by Julius Obregon Jr.

Ever feel confused or stupid when looking at fine art in a gallery? Us too. Ever feel that way when looking at street art? Didn’t think so.

This week, we talk to Charlie Lyons-Pardue about his love for street art and how it can help notice and pay deeper attention to the sacred wherever you find it, from Cathedrals to catacombs to the street.

www.shemasd.org
Original Score by Julius Obregon Jr. and Wilson Ryland

We talk current apps and cultural habits that get us locked in a story of scarcity and feeling like there is never enough. Then, for all the talk of this technological progress being "unprecedented," we explore ways we have navigated past technological revolutions. All to see how we can discern if we are just good at efficiently building excitement and funding good projects and initiatives, or genuinely shaping generous people.

www.shemasd.org

Original Score by Julius Obregon Jr. & Wilson Ryland

What is meaningful work, and what is it like in this world to search for it? And what does it take to be able to find a dream job?

Ever engage in work you know is good, but struggle because you feel no connection/find no meaning/receive no reward? How often do we miss meaningful work because it is not what we expect it to be? Samantha Herrera, millennial extraordinaire, joins us to explore all this.

www.shemasd.org

Original Score by Julius Obregon Jr.

Technology is reshaping our world; how is it shaping our faith and our souls, how we think and what we value? What should the relationship between tech and the church be like?

We talk technology’s effects on people still engaging in religion, on our experience of community, and Bible interpretation and teaching.

Finally, we explore how faith can open our minds and hearts in a way technology cannot.

www.shemasd.org

Original Score by Julius Obregon Jr.

Ever care so deeply about getting things right, that everything starts to go wrong? 

James Bishop (aka Music by Brother) joins us again to talk about the effects of perfectionism on his craft and spirituality, and what is offered to us in the moments we cannot live up to expectations.

www.shemasd.org

Original score by Julius Obregon Jr., remixed by Wilson Ryland.