What if your outlook is doing more to harm you than help you?

The lens through which we see the world and ourselves matters. In this episode, David Zahl stops by to discuss a different way of viewing humanity and ourselves. Though this outlook may seem new, it’s not entirely unfamiliar to those in the Christian faith. David, the director of Mockingbird and the author of Seculosity and Low Anthropology unpacks the importance of adopting a low anthropological view of ourselves.

In this critical conversation, we discuss the detrimental effects of perfectionism and the importance of accepting our imperfections. We explore the challenges of parenting and the pressure to be a perfect parent. Dave shares insights from his book, emphasizing the need for a realistic view of human nature and the role of vulnerability in experiencing grace. We also discuss the paradox of personal growth and the importance of embracing uncertainty.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The Perfectionist Mindset
• Parenting and Perfectionism
• The Nature of Low Anthropology
• The Paralysis of Perfectionism
• The Illusion of Control
• Understanding Our Limitations
• Embracing Imperfection
• Encouragement for the Broken

If you enjoyed this conversation, pick up a copy of David Zahl’s book, Low Anthropology. You can also follow Mockingbird on X, Facebook and Instagram. Also, don’t miss the plethora (there’s that word again) of resources at Mockingbird.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

You made it to the Cathedral. Now, what’s next?

It's time to head home, Pilgrims, but Spoiler alert: your Camino is not over. You've only reached the halfway point. In this episode, Alexander John Shaia, the author of Return From Camino, joins me, and we reflect on the moments that followed after arriving at my "destination" in Santiago de Compostela. We discuss the importance of pilgrimage, Joseph Campbell's influence, and the concept of the four-part journey. We also discuss the significance of choosing one's own Camino and bringing the Camino experience back home.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The Camino is not just a physical journey but a spiritual and emotional one.
• The journey is about embracing weaknesses and going deeper into oneself.
• Each person's Camino is unique, and it is essential to choose your own path.
• Bringing the Camino experience back home and integrating it into everyday life is transformative.
• The Camino is a constant state of progressing and learning, and the journey never truly ends.

If you enjoyed this conversation, pick up a copy of Alexander John Shaia’s book, Return from Camino. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about his work with Quadratos.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

Your journey will come to an end.

Hey Peregrinos! As you know, we’ve been vicariously walking the Camino de Santiago together. Last week, Kiko and I took you stage by stage and broke down the trials that we experienced. After I parted ways with Kiko towards the end, I finished walking with Pia and Simon. So, I’m happy to have them join this conversation on finishing the Camino. They share their experiences, challenges, and reflections on the final moments of the journey to Santiago de Compostela.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Fear and Uncertainty in Transitions
• The Abruptness of Joining Up with the French Way
• Navigating the Pressure of trying to figure your life out

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

The trick is learning to accept both the good and the bad on the Camino.

Buen Camino, fellow pilgrims! Welcome back to MercyCast. Last week, we talked about the Call to the Camino. Today's episode discusses the trials you will face as you walk the Camino.

Amidst the high altitudes and rugged terrain, I met Kiko, a fellow pilgrim. Together, we navigated everything from challenging mountain trails to interpersonal relationships. We learned that the path to self-discovery often involves the support and friendship of others.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Gift of Being Present
• When Strangers Become Friends
• Walking your Camino
• The Need for Other People

Follow Kiko on Instagram.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

Sometimes, the Camino calls you.

Greetings, fellow pilgrims, and welcome back to the MercyCast! Whether you have gone on the Camino De Santiago, are interested in going, or have no idea what it is, this series is for you! Today's episode is a beacon of guidance for those preparing to walk the sacred path of the Camino de Santiago. Join us as we discuss what it means to be called to the Camino.

In this episode of the Mercy Cast, two-time guest Reverend Jacob Smith and I discuss our experiences on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. We explain the history of the Camino, tracing its origins to St. James and the evangelization of northern Spain. We also highlight the transformative nature of pilgrimage, emphasizing prayer, communion with fellow pilgrims, and the profound impact on the life of the Pilgrim.

Highlights from the conversation:

• King Alphonso and the Long Journey: A History
• Getting rid of your baggage
• The Pilgrim Community
• The Beauty of the Camino

Follow Jacob’s podcast, Same Old Song, on Twitter and follow Jacob on Instagram.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

Sometimes, an email can change your life.

In this episode, Marisol Maldonado Rodriguez, founder and Executive Director of Renew Life Center and author of the new book, Beyond Her Yes: Reimagining Pro-Life Ministry to Empower Women and Support Families in Overcoming Poverty, shares her experience as the client services director of a pregnancy resource center and how a transformative email from a client highlighted the overlooked vulnerabilities and complexities surrounding the pro-life movement. This fresh conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach involving churches and volunteers to provide ongoing support, mentorship, and friendship to women facing pregnancy, Poverty, and parenting challenges.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Email that Changed Everything
• The Importance of Recognizing Root Causes
• Poverty and Decision-Making
• The Relation Between Economics and Vulnerability

If you enjoyed this conversation, you can follow Marisol on Instagram and Renew Life Center while you’re at it. Learn more about the work of Renew Life Center and the resources available here. Finally, please pick up a copy of her new book, Beyond Her Yes.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

Just because something is free does not mean there isn't a cost.

In this episode, Helen Taylor drops by the MercyCast. She is the Vice President of Impact at Exodus Cry, a nonprofit organization committed to abolishing sex trafficking and breaking the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation. Helen shares her journey of passion, perseverance, and faith in the face of adversity.

Due to visa restrictions, she had to serve on a volunteer visa for the first three years and raise her support from England since she couldn't be paid in the US. Despite the hurdles and the constant uncertainty, Helen felt a deep calling to serve those vulnerable and exploited in the sex industry.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Visa: An Origin Story
• Disappointments and entitlement
• Cultivating Faith in God's Goodness
• Burnout and the Need for Resiliency
• The Work of Exodus Cry
• The Danger of Pornography
• An Encouragement to Those Trapped in Shame

If you enjoyed this conversation, you can follow Helen on Instagram and Exodus Cry while you're at it. Learn more about the work of Exodus Cry and the resources available here.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

Life can be complex.

Enter Matt Popovits. Matt is a pastor, speaker, and podcaster whose approach to life is characterized by a desire for simplicity and relatability. He drops by to discuss navigating complex topics with grace and hope. Matt shares his origin story in a sense, where he discovered his calling through comforting a friend in a time of tragedy, highlighting the importance of being present and empathetic during challenging moments. In our talk, we emphasize the need to connect the finished work of Jesus with people's unique situations and pain.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Death and Life: Matt’s Calling into Ministry.
• The Art of Simplicity.
• Addressing Pain Points with the Gospel.
• Making Things Relatable.

If you enjoyed this conversation, learn more about Matt’s various ministries. Follow Matt on Instagram and X. Also, you can listen to his podcast, Making Things Simple.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

How do you hope again after experiencing a miscarriage?

In this episode, Rachel Lohman joins the MercyCast to discuss her pregnancy and infant loss journey and her mission to bring healing and hope to others. Rachel is the author of Miscarried Hope and the founder of Hope Again Collective. This handmade jewelry line beautifully shares the stories of mothers who have experienced the pain of pregnancy loss. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the Power of sharing our stories.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Truth about Secondary Losses: Rachel’s Story.
• The Five Stages of Hope.
• Navigating Infant Loss as a Family.
• The Power of Sharing Your Story.

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow Rachel on Instagram and Hope Again Collective. Also, buy her book, Miscarried Hope. You can learn more about Hope Again Collective and purchase their products here.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

Want more MercyCast? Here is a free episode of MoreMERCY, a bonus episode of the MercyCast. I reflect on the previous week's episode and how it connects to Scripture and this cultural moment. 

In this episode, my friend Neal Salzman and I explore the concept of self-care. Neal is a licensed therapist and the founder and executive director of the Rest Initiative. We discuss an essential aspect of life people often overlook: the ability to care for ourselves while tirelessly caring for others. It's a lesson I've learned the hard way, and Neal's story is nothing short of inspiring.

Neal embarked on a mission to India to train people to provide trauma care to those affected by a major tsunami. He expected to spend a year there but hit a wall shortly after arriving. Three weeks later, he had to come home.

Whether we know it or not, we need friends who see and support the authentic self, not just the performative self. It's not just about self-care; it's about being tended to by a loving, understanding community. 

If you liked this episode, click the link at the bottom of the show notes to sign up for the weekly bonus episodes. Thanks for listening!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content