Better on the Inside

Besides mispronouncing his name (SMH), I enjoyed every second of my conversation with Kyle Meyaard-Schapp. I honestly didn't know what to expect from my conversation with someone from the Evangelical Environmental Network. But Kyle absolutely delivered with some really challenging and (dare I say) mind-blowing stuff about what it means to follow Jesus in the midst of climate change. If I had to boil what I learned down to the essence, it would be this: caring for God's creation is a discipleship issue, not a socio-political one or a fashionable cause.

Order Kyle's book Following Jesus in a Warming World from IVPress. Use the code "BETTERIN" to get 30 percent off, plus free shipping at ivpress.com from 4/24-5/8.

You can continue the conversation in our Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterontheinside⁠

I'll be speaking at the Thrive & Cultivate Summit in May with a bunch of other amazing speakers like Kay Warren, DJ Chuang and Nona Jones. You can register for FREE here: ⁠https://www.thriveandcultivate.com/a/2147530380/oF6L4sE2⁠

If you would like the All Access pass, which allows you to access the conference on-demand, use the code "JON" to get 10% off: ⁠https://www.thriveandcultivate.com/a/2147530379/oF6L4sE2

I met Ezra Byer at a cool conference I had the opportunity to attend a few months ago. We hit it off, at least in part, because we care so much about the practical application of the Christian faith and moving it out of the Sunday morning box. Ezra created and leads The Monday Christian, a website and podcast focused on turning Sunday belief into Monday action.

You can continue the conversation in our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterontheinside

I'll be speaking at the Thrive & Cultivate Summit in May with a bunch of other amazing speakers like Kay Warren, DJ Chuang and Nona Jones. You can register for FREE here: https://www.thriveandcultivate.com/a/2147530380/oF6L4sE2

If you would like the All Access pass, which allows you to access the conference on-demand, use the code "JON" to get 10% off: https://www.thriveandcultivate.com/a/2147530379/oF6L4sE2

Kate Guthrie is brilliant. A Pastor, Chaplain, Spiritual Director and just overall wonderful person, Kate wrote a prophetic dissertation in 2014 that is even more relevant today. While some of the terms may need updating, her observations about how our souls are shaped by digital media are prescient. Kate's grasp of modern spiritual formation is beyond necessary and wildly helpful.

I connected with Kate looking for a Spiritual Director, but she was so gracious enough to send me her dissertation too. And I was immediately hooked. I tore through her writing in one plane ride because what she was talking about was so pertinent to the world as I see it. I couldn't wait to talk to Kate, so I invited her on the podcast and wanted to share it with everyone.

You can learn more Kate's Spiritual Direction practice at Anam Cara.

Continue the conversation in our Facebook Group.

Raconteur and Benevolent Cult Leader(?) Andrew Sears joins me on this episode. Andrew shares about the evolution of his spiritual journey, his experience with church and finding a home. We also get to talk about Tabletop Games, Video Games and the communities built around play. He said something profound that I think can apply to the church: everybody shows up and plays! That's so important.

You can find Andrew on Twitter, but the best place is the Andak Media website for all that's going on. 

You can also listen to Andrew's podcasts: Rebooted and I Freaking Love That Movie (w/ Rob Fike).

Join the conversation in our Better on the Inside Facebook Group.

Let's-a-go! Join Charlotte Elia and Jon Pyle as they dig deeper into the previous episode, answer your questions and share your insights. With an eye on how to apply, After Better on the Inside is meant to make an actual difference in your home and work life.

This week, Charlotte and I reflect on the diamonds from the phD mines that Becky Castle Miller dropped from her work on emotions in Scripture. We take some time to talk about the mystical/spiritual side of Christianity, contemplative prayer and dig deep into some emotional reflection. I believe integrating emotional health into discipleship is ABSOLUTELY necessary to find the freedom and peace we're all searching for. It is hard, but rewarding work.

You can find Becky Castle Miller at her website: beckycastlemiller.com or subscribe to her Substack: beckycastlemiller.Substack.com

You can find Charlotte on Twitter or her website.

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Have you ever been made to feel bad about feeling good? Were you taught that "above all things, the heart is deceitful?" If so, you gotta listen to this conversation with Becky Castle Miller! If not, you should listen too because you will still learn something.

Becky challenges (and kinds debunks) many of the ways we think about our emotions, feelings and desires. She drops a bunch of diamonds from the phD mines and blows my mind a few different times. The way we've been taught about how Jesus and the Bible view of our emotions may be quite limited... and changing that perspective could have a massive impact on your life. Listen to the end to get Becky's final word about emotional health and uncomfortable emotions.

You can find Becky Castle Miller at her website: beckycastlemiller.com or subscribe to her Substack: beckycastlemiller.Substack.com

Join the conversation in our Better on the Inside Facebook Group.

Let's-a-go! Join Charlotte Elia and Jon Pyle as they dig deeper into the previous episode, answer your questions and share your insights. With an eye on how to apply, After Better on the Inside is meant to make an actual difference in your home and work life.

This week, Charlotte and I dive into my conversation with Sarah Styf around furthering the Kingdom online. The algorithm is not neutral. The algorithm is not your friend. The algorithm is gonna get you. [Cue the Miami Sound Machine]

For more about Sarah: Sarah has a great newsletter (On the Journey) and an AWESOME BOOK over at Amazon called Embracing the Journey: Learning to Grow When Life Doesn’t Work Out as Planned

You can find Charlotte on Twitter or her website.

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Sarah Styf is a very cool English Teacher and more! We had a great conversation about how important it is for believers to consider our conduct online. When every tweet or comment section can become a digital hellscape, our posture, our words and our presence matter.  Do we need to be perfect? Absolutely not. But we certainly can make the effort to be loving. We also discuss echo chambers, silos and have a Non-Judgment Zone of Joy that would make the Swifties proud. 

Sarah has a great newsletter (On the Journey) and an AWESOME BOOK over at Amazon called Embracing the Journey: Learning to Grow When Life Doesn’t Work Out as Planned

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group.

Let's-a-go! Join Charlotte Elia and Jon Pyle as they dig deeper into the previous episode, answer your questions and share your insights. With an eye on how to apply, After Better on the Inside is meant to make an actual difference in your home and work life.

This week, Charlotte is both co-host and guest as we dive into her points about resigning from volunteer roles and making the digital hellscape safer for your people. We actually roleplay a successful conversation and strategize about how to respectfully avoid job creep.

TRANSCRIPT HERE

You can find Charlotte on Twitter or her website.

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group.