Join Tara Lamont Eastman, host of the Holy Shenanigans podcast, as she welcomes her friends and classmates Kellie Brown and Joni Bouma for a heartwarming discussion about giving thanks. They reflect on small kindnesses, everyday graces, and the beauty in ordinary life. Listen for an inspiring online poetry slam and discover the power of gratitude practices in finding joy and meaning in life's simple moments. Gratitude to Professor and Poet Lynn Domina for her encouragement to read more poetry!

Poems Read:

Small Kindnesses by Danusha Laméris
Mindful  by Mary Oliver
The Facts of Life by Pádraig Ó Tuama
Gratitude Pillow by Naomi Shihab Nye
Song Lyric Reference: 'Look Up' by Joy Oladokun 

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Tara discusses the significance of All Saints Day and different ways to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Tara shares her personal practices of remembrance and introduces listeners to the life and poetry of Welsh poet Ruth Bidgood, who dedicated her work to remembering the people and places of Wales. The episode includes a reflection on Bidgood's poem 'The Pause' and concludes with a poetic response by Tara, encouraging listeners to find meaningful ways to honor their loved ones. Find comfort and hope through remembrance and celebrate the legacy of those who have passed.

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Pastor Tara welcomes Heidi Marsh Stayboldt, artist and founder of Sanctuary & Table. They discuss the intersection of art, spirituality, and the celebration of Halloween. They reflect on the origins of Halloween, emphasizing community, creativity, and remembrance of loved ones. Heidi shares experiences from her travels and the impact of art in her spiritual journey, including a profound encounter in Italy. The episode highlights the importance of embracing fear and using it to foster community and connection. They conclude by discussing the role of creativity and art in enriching spiritual practices and fostering a sense of belonging.

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Tara in this episode of Holy Shenanigans, live from the Wild Goose Festival. Guests Charles Bretan and Natalie Hamrick, Ph.D. explore how Psalms, songs, poetry, and people help them navigate life's challenges. Hear touching personal stories, powerful poems, and reflective thoughts that inspire hope, strength, and the recognition of holy moments. Engage with a community that values connection, healing, and spiritual growth.

Listen to Charles Bretan's insightful podcast A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah!

Purchase Natalie Hamrick's book here: Cope by Faith: Partnering With God to Get Through and Triumph From the Cancer Experience

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman and Charles Bretan of A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah in this live crossover from the Wild Goose Festival 2025. Dive into discussions about the intersection of faith, social justice, inclusion, and intentional living. This episode covers thought-provoking insights on engaging deeply with texts, the impact of compression culture, and personal stories that highlight the importance of curiosity and expansive thinking. Don't miss engaging reflections on A Wrinkle in Time, political and theological commentary, and practical advice for fostering a deeper connection with the divine and with others.

Interested in hearing more from Charles? Listen to episodes of A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah here.

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Tara Eastman in this heartwarming episode recorded at the Wild Goose Festival 2025, as she interviews Ellen Corcella, an ordained minister with the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and author of the book Walk with Me. Ellen shares her transformative experience with Mary Oliver's poem 'Wild Geese,' which provided her with hope and clarity during a challenging time in her life. Ellen discusses how this poem, along with her journey through seminary and chaplaincy, led her to understand the importance of witnessing and being a compassionate presence for others. Listen as Ellen reads the powerful 'Wild Geese' poem and offers insights into the spiritual and theological connections she found within poetry.

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Tara and her book club friends as they discuss the timeless wisdom of Madeleine L'Engle's 'A Wrinkle in Time.' Discover why this book remains vital today as a source of inspiration and insight into community, love, and inner strength. Hear personal reflections from Lynn, Ariel, and Janita on how the book has impacted their lives. Tara highlights the book's themes of vulnerability, courage, and the power of love, urging us to act together to make a difference in the world.

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman and special guest Rachel Postler of Create Your Way Through as they delve into the importance of creativity and expressive arts in our lives. Rachel shares her journey from ministry and nonprofit work to founding Create Your Way Through, a unique space emphasizing the intersection of community and expressive arts. Discover how creative play can help us emotionally regulate and tap into our inherent creative potential. Learn about Rachel's various initiatives, including free monthly online workshops, and gain insights on overcoming barriers to creativity. Tune in for heartwarming stories, practical advice, and a reminder that play and creativity are divine acts of resistance and healing.

Direct Links:

https://www.instagram.com/createyourwaythrough

https://www.createyourwaythrough.com/subscribe

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman in this enriching episode of Holy Shenanigans as she delves into the concept of wholehearted living, inspired by the actions of Captain Marvel and the wisdom of Parker Palmer and Brene Brown. Discover Parker Palmer's 'Habits of the Heart' and learn how integrating mind, body, and spirit can strengthen individuals and communities. This episode also invites listeners to participate in a Zoom discussion on the topic and offers practical questions for personal and communal reflection.

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join us on this week's episode of the Holy Shenanigans podcast as we share powerful stories of love, healing, and divine presence in everyday life. Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman converses with Colleen Viegnere, a member of First Presbyterian Church of Warren, Pennsylvania. Colleen shares her personal journey of navigating divorce, rediscovering self-love, and the vital role her faith and community played in her healing process. Dive deep into the nuances of divine 'agape' love and its transformative power. This heartfelt episode underscores that love truly wins in the end.

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Support the show

Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.