Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

AI and Faith: Exploring God, Technology, and What It Means to Be Human with D.Z. Kalman on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. We're featuring a conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping our understanding of religion, ethics, and humanity itself. D.Z. Kalman draws us into Jewish and interfaith perspectives on questions like: Can AI help us find new meaning in ancient texts? Does technology challenge our unique status as beings “created in the image of God”? How are faith communities adapting—and what moral boundaries should guide us as creators?

D.Z. Kalman is a leading thinker at the intersection of Judaism and technology. As a Research Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, he directs a research group on Judaism and AI. He’s Senior Advisor at Sinai and Synapses and hosts the Belief in the Future podcast. D.Z. is passionate about helping religious communities navigate the ethical and theological questions posed by emerging technologies, drawing wisdom from both Jewish tradition and broader interfaith conversations.

In this episode:

00:00 Where are you using AI today?

05:21 Tower of Babel and Human Priorities

07:49 AI as a child metaphor

12:48 AI, theology, and ethical implications

14:27 AI and theological parallels

17:24 AI challenging human uniqueness

22:40 Centralized faiths and AI response

26:50 Ethical considerations in AI prompts

29:09 AI's potential long-term impact

34:02 Shifting focus to technology studies

36:25 Exploring spirituality and technology

Explore more episodes and resources at umc.org/compass
Find D.Z.’s work at jellomenorah.com and listen to his podcast, Belief in the Future.

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun joins us for an honest conversation about how sensitive and introverted individuals can find their own path in social justice work without burning out or betraying their personalities. Discover how you can be an agent of justice and compassion in sustainable, meaningful ways—no megaphone required.

We unpack Dorcas’s journey from chronic burnout in nonprofit advocacy to discovering "quiet activism," where creativity, relationships, and deep empathy become powerful pathways to change. Learn about the historical roots of quiet activism, tools for avoiding burnout, and the six pathways for sensitive souls to engage in justice work—from creatives and connectors to record keepers and researchers. If you’re a spiritual seeker who feels deeply, is curious about faith-based activism, or wants to serve your community without losing yourself, this episode is for you.

About the Guest:
Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer, editor, speaker, and social impact professional. She is the author of Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways, along with several other books and Bible studies. Dorcas’s work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Image Journal, and many other outlets across the US, Asia, and Africa. She currently serves as Director of Resource Innovation at the Changemaker Initiative.

In this episode:
00:00 Engaging sensitive souls in justice work
02:17 Dorcas Cheng-Tozun’s journey as a sensitive soul
04:35 Redefining activism
10:01 Understanding the sensitive person
11:03 Unique contributions of sensitive minds
14:34 Valuable contributions of introverts and sensitives
15:45 New pathways to activism
18:57 Six pathways for sensitive activism
28:29 Warning signs of burnout
33:44 Reacting to burnout
39:39 Find more about Dorcas

Find more resources and show notes at: umc.org/compass

Subscribe, like, and join us as we journey toward a more just and joyful world—one quiet act at a time.

This episode, originally recorded August of 2022, explores why some people still claim the name Christian even while feeling deep grief, anger, or distance from what Christianity has become. Ryan Dunn talks with Brian McLaren about identity, religious trauma, white Christian nationalism, and what it means to stay rooted in Jesus while refusing harmful uses of the faith.

Brian McLaren, an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian, brings both personal experience and long reflection to the question of whether to stay Christian. The conversation centers on discernment, honesty, and the difference between a label and the kind of life a person actually lives.

(00:00) Why “Christian” can trigger relief, tension, or trauma

(01:58) Brian McLaren’s background and why his work keeps returning to hard questions

(04:01)  Is Christianity about belief, identity, or both?

(04:58) When Christian identity feels too close to harmful political ideology

(06:39) Brian’s own answer: yes, but with grief and fear

(09:17) Why the label can mean little if the life does not match

(12:30) How these struggles mirror larger racial, cultural, and economic conflicts

(13:17) Brian’s childhood conflict over evolution and literalism

(16:39) When harm becomes personal and why leaving may be necessary

(20:15) Why the book is structured as no, yes, how

(22:38) Wrestling with Christian heroes who also said harmful things

(23:40) Why doubt protects against authoritarianism

(27:41) Why separating faith and politics can hide injustice

(31:41) Why Jesus’ warning about division is generational too

(34:16) A more useful definition of hope

For more episodes of Compass and for show notes, visit www.umc.org/compass

What is the sound of the genuine in you?

This episode of Compass explores the influence of Howard Thurman, theologian, teacher, author, and civil rights leader. Howard taught that each of us is a unique expression of God's work i the world--so we search for authenticity and listen for the sound of the genuine in others.

Explore listening to the genuine within and the role of religion in leading you towards authenticity.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Influence of Howard Thurman
• 02:55 Midlife Crises and the Search for Authenticity
• 05:19 The Suppression of Genuine Experiences
• 06:45 Religion and the Expression of the Genuine
• 09:08 Leaving Space for the Genuine to Emerge
• 11:05 Contemplative Practices for Finding the Genuine

For more information, notes, and more episodes: www.umc.org/compass

How Pop Culture Points Us to God with Dr. Rachel Kessler (The Nerdy Priest) on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday.

What do Star Wars, the Muppets, and Farscape have to do with faith? In this episode, Dr. Rachel Kessler—known online as The Nerdy Priest—joins Ryan to explore the surprising intersections between pop culture and spirituality. We dive into how shared stories from books, movies, and fandoms can spark meaningful conversations about faith, belonging, and the journey of spiritual curiosity. Discover why nerd culture sometimes mirrors church community—for better and for worse—and how online spaces can help break down barriers to faith.

Dr. Rachel Kessler wears many hats: Episcopal priest, chaplain, professor, and author of "Nerd Faith: 60 Second Sprints of Spiritual Guidance for the Occassionally Uncool". Her unique ministry began when a student set up her TikTok account, propelling her into a digital community hungry for honest engagement about God, deconstruction, and what it really means to be Christian. Whether discussing universal salvation, spiritual skepticism, or gatekeeping in both church and fandom, Dr. Rachel Kessler brings a rare blend of humor, depth, and authenticity.

In this episode:

(00:00) Introduction to Rev Rachel Kessler

(05:08) Birth of The Nerdy Priest

(08:15) Engaging spirituality through pop culture

(11:07) Navigating controversial questions in faith

(14:05) Handling criticism and online engagement

(17:04) Exploring nerd faith and community

(20:02) Lessons from nerd culture for the church

(22:52) Personal journey and mentorship in faith

(25:52) Fictional narratives as faith allegories

(29:00) Final thoughts and connections

Connect with Dr. Rachel Kessler (The Nerdy Priest) on TikTok, Instagram, and Threads @nerdypriest. Be sure to check out her book "Nerd Faith" for more bite-sized reflections that blend faith and fandom.

What is your true purpose—and is it really tied to your job? In this honest and eye-opening episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, writer, artist, and former pastor Damon Garcia joins us to unpack what "calling," work, and meaning look like in a capitalist society. Damon shares his personal journey from childhood storytelling and Christian rap to ministry and creative activism, challenging the idea that our worth is defined by occupation or productivity.

Damon Garcia is a writer, public theologian, and video essayist whose work wrestles with faith, justice, and creativity. A former pastor, Damon’s latest book You Don't Need a Calling challenges traditional ideas of vocation and invites readers to find community and meaning in the here and now. He is also the author of The God Who Riots: Taking Back the Radical Jesus. You can find more of his work on YouTube and at damongarcia.com.

In this episode:

(00:00) Exploring purpose beyond jobs

(03:39) Childhood passion for writing

(08:51) Balancing passion with practicality

(11:37) Environmental activism challenges

(15:42) Making the book accessible for everyone

(18:52) Reflecting on small-town mindset

(23:05) Discussing religious reflections and ministry

(27:05) Adjusting to life after ministry

(34:42) Critiquing capitalist systems

(37:30) Rethinking capitalism and community building

(39:05) Building community-owned systems

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. Find out more information and explore other episodes at umc.org/compass

Do you ever feel exhausted by the slow pace of change in the world? On this episode of Compass, we’re exploring the practice of rest and renewal—starting with something as simple as your next breath.

This mini episode offers a guided experience in centering, renewal, and finding spiritual presence through the simple act of breathing. As conversations around justice, rest, and weariness continue in faith communities, this episode provides a practical technique for those feeling spiritually depleted or seeking a moment of peace amidst struggle.

Discover how breath can connect you to the divine, refresh your spirit, and root you in love—no matter where you are or what you’re facing.

Meg Calvin invites us into a bold conversation about embodied spirituality, healing from religious trauma, and reclaiming the wisdom of our bodies. We navigate the critique of purity culture, the impacts of patriarchy in ministry, and how spiritual wholeness arises when we learn to trust our desires and honor ourselves—mind, body, and spirit.

Meg shares the inspiration behind her new novel, "There, He Holds Her," weaving together the journeys of two women separated by decades but united in their quest to break free from religious conditioning. Along the way, we dive into practices like emotional body mapping, somatic healing, contemplative grounding, and the power of play for spiritual growth. Whether you're deconstructing old beliefs, searching for holistic faith, or hungry for new ways to connect spirit and body, this episode is for you.

About the Guest:
Meg Calvin is a coach, minister, and author passionate about helping others claim their desires as sacred, reconnect to their bodies, and experience healing through creativity and playful spirituality. She has empowered countless seekers to move beyond performance-based faith into deeper authenticity and joy.

In this episode:
(00:00) Discussing Meg Calvin's new novel

(03:59) Passion for crafting dialogue

(07:29) Critiquing purity culture

(11:25) Finding joy in writing and reconnection

(15:01) Understanding emotional body mapping

(17:28) Connecting with heritage through play

(20:36) Naming and expressing hidden anger

(24:42) Discussing Heity's beliefs

(28:25) Exploring Spiritual Restoration and Reflection

(30:54) Pre order bonuses and goodies

As always, find related episodes and notes at www.umc.org/compass

Explore the fascinating world of the desert elders with Lisa Colón DeLay, uncovering their history, practices, and relevance today. Learn about early Christian asceticism, forgotten female leaders, and spiritual practices that can inspire modern life.

Lisa Colón DeLay is a repeat guest on Compass. We previously talked to her about her book “The Wild Land Within” which is about cultivating wholeness and healing through spiritual practices. She has now released “The Way of The Desert Elders”. Lisa is a coach in spiritual formation and creates products and resources related to spiritual formation. Since 2015, she has produced the Spark My Muse podcast featuring luminaries, authors, and her own work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Elders

02:31 Christian Nationalism and Its Impact

05:44 The Reaction of the Desert Elders

09:14 Life in the Desert: Community and Mentorship

12:40 Transformation Stories of the Desert Elders

16:48 Modern Applications of Desert Wisdom

19:37 The Video Game: A New Pilgrimage Experience

23:12 Further Reading and Resources

Find episode notes and other interesting episodes of Compass at www.umc.org/compass

What if the lasting impact of faith was not achieving a life in a heavenly place on some other plane, but in living a way that impacts the flourishing of all of the earth?

This episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday features a walk-and-talk conversation with Rev. Caleb Cray Haynes. While we walk along a Tennessee greenway, we explore the individual's role in environmental stewardship and the connection between faith and environmental advocacy. Listen for some practical steps for environmental impact and the spiritual significance of creation.

In this episode:

(00:00) Exploring Creation Care

(05:56) Garbage Theology and Environmental Awakening

(12:08) Theological Perspectives on Creation Care

(18:13) Hope and Action for Environmental Change

(24:00) The Connection Between Faith and Environmental Advocacy

(30:01) Drawing Closer to God Through Creation

Caleb Haynes is an advocate on issues of environmental justice for the church at large and co-founder of Nazarenes for Creation Care, an organization designed to equip the church for engaging in the call to “serve and keep” creation. He’s released the book “Earthbound  Christian”, which asks the question: what if the flourishing life we are made for is not “out there” but “down here” on Earth?

Find episode notes and other interesting episodes of Compass at www.umc.org/compass