In this conversation, Dr. Angela and Rev. Dr. Kyle Oliver discuss the impact of new media and social media on our lives, particularly in the context of ministry and religious practices. They reflect on their own experiences and research in the field, exploring how our relationship with technology has evolved over the years. They emphasize the importance of understanding social media as a set of practices rather than just devices or platforms. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by young people in navigating the new media landscape and the potential impact on their happiness and well-being. It discusses the need for parents to have a deep understanding of the practices and habits that can protect their children. They also suggest creating a rule of life or playbook for navigating the digital media landscape, focusing on practices that give life and avoiding those that drain us. TakeawaysUnderstanding social media as a set of practices rather than just devices or platforms is crucial in exploring its impact on our lives.The addictive nature of social media and the need for boundaries and intentionality in our usage should be acknowledged and addressed.Young people face unique challenges in navigating the new media landscape, and their happiness and well-being may be affected.Reflecting on our own habits and practices with social media can help us cultivate a more life-giving and intentional relationship with technology. Parents need to have a deep understanding of the practices and habits that can protect their children in the digital age.Co-watching and engaging with children while they consume media can enhance their cognitive and relational development.Social media has shifted from everyday user-generated content to media with a comment section, leading to a professionalization of content creation.The Christian Formation Playbook focuses on the intersection of learning, faith, and media.To have a more meaningful experience in social media spaces, individuals can focus on engaging in conversations about topics they are passionate about. Focus on your website and email newsletter for effective church communications, as Facebook may not have your best interests in mind.Be intentional in your use of social media, paying attention to what gives you life and what drains you.Set boundaries and create a rule of life or playbook for navigating the digital media landscape.Support mainstream media organizations to ensure the existence of quality content.

GUEST BIO:

Rev. Dr. Kyle Oliver is an Episcopal priest and an educational media producer and researcher. He serves as director of communications and adjunct instructor at Church Divinity School of the Pacific and a visiting scholar in the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.

GUEST NOTES

Kyle Oliver's website: ⁠https://kyleoliver.net⁠

Find Kyle and his reflections on new media on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/kylematthewoliver

Find Kyle and his reflections on new media on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kmoliver5

⁠Kyle's current project is A Christian Formation Playbook, currently a website/newsletter thing (like Substack but different platform) in preparation for a podcast and a book: formationplaybook.com

Dr. Patrick Reyes discusses meaning and purpose with Dr. Angela. He shares his insights on the spiritual struggles faced by young people, such as the search for deeper meaning and the question of what to do with suffering. Reyes emphasizes that suffering is not necessary for finding meaning and purpose, and challenges the idea of the hero's journey as the only narrative for personal growth. He suggests focusing on relationships, places, practices, and multiple purposes as alternative sources of meaning and purpose. Reyes also highlights the importance of ancestral connections and the responsibility to create a better world for future generations.

Takeaways

Suffering is a common spiritual struggle for young people, who often grapple with questions of meaning and purpose.

Finding meaning and purpose does not require experiencing suffering; it can be found in moments of growth, challenge, and learning.

The hero's journey narrative can be problematic as it focuses on individual achievement and overlooks the importance of relationships, places, practices, and multiple purposes.

Taking inventory of what brings joy and meaning in life, and being intentional about cultivating those aspects, can lead to a deeper sense of purpose.

Connecting with ancestors and considering the impact of our actions on future generations can provide a broader perspective on meaning and purpose.

GUEST BIO:

Rev. Dr. Patrick B. Reyes is the Chicano award-winning and bestselling author of the books Nobody Cries When We Die and The Purpose Gap. He is also the dean of Auburn Theological Seminary.

GUEST NOTES:

Patrick's website:

www.patrickbreyes.com

Dr. Reyes's socials:

Insta: @patrickbreyesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rev-dr-patrickbreyes/

Come attend a workshop or program with Dr. Reyes at Auburnseminary.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Patrick Reyes

04:38 The Spiritual Struggles of Young People

08:02 Rethinking the Hero's Journey Narrative

27:35 The Power of Relationships, Places, and Practices

40:05 Ancestral Connections and Future Generations

In this conversation, Dr. Angela and Rev. Dr. Pamela King discuss the concepts of thriving, happiness, and joy. They explore the differences between happiness and joy. They emphasize the importance of positive emotions and their role in fueling growth and creativity. They also discuss the significance of relationships and spirituality in experiencing joy and finding meaning in life. Dr. King provides practical advice on nurturing relationships and finding communities that align with our values and bring us joy.

Takeaways

Thriving involves growing into the fullness of oneself with and for others and higher purposes.

Happiness is pleasure, while joy is pleasure plus meaning.

Positive emotions fuel growth, creativity, and brain development.

Relationships and spirituality play a crucial role in experiencing joy and finding meaning in life.

Practices such as mindfulness, gratitude, and awe can help cultivate joy.

Nurturing relationships and finding communities that align with our values and bring us joy is essential for thriving.

Engaging in meaningful conversations and serving others can contribute to a sense of purpose and joy.

GUEST BIO:

Rev. Dr. Pamela Ebstyne King is the Executive Director of the ThriveCenter and the Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science in the School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary.

GUEST NOTES:

Dr. King has a Podcast: With & For and book, TheReciprocating Self: Theological Perspectives of Development

Dr. King’s Socials:

X & Instagram: @DrPamKing

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-ebstyne-king-1a495ab/

Thrive Center info:

http://www.thethrivecenter.org

X & Instagram: @ThriveCenter

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/23689776/admin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveCenter

Study at Fuller Theological Seminary (psychology ortheology or non-profit or leadership or a combination!)

https://www.fuller.edu/

Chapters

00:00 World Happiness Report, decline in happiness

3:13 Perspectives on Joy throughout History

10:10 Chapter 1: Thriving: Growing into the Fullness of Oneself

12:23 Chapter 2: The Difference Between Happiness and Joy

17:12 Chapter 3: The Role of Positive Emotions in Growth and Creativity

22:53 Chapter 5: Cultivating Joy through Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Awe

28:13 Chapter 6: Nurturing Relationships and Finding Joyful Communities

31:02 Chapter 7: Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life

OTHER RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE:

The World Happiness Report

The Book of Joy

This conversation delves into the complexity of belonging, including the need for both individuals and organizations to create a sense of belonging. It also touches on the challenges of belonging in a polarized society and the importance of reweaving the social fabric and rewriting narratives. The crisis of belonging is discussed in the context of the workplace, where work has become a means of identity production. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the impact of technology on leisure time and the shaping of identities. Rabbi Babchuck discusses the importance of belonging and its connection to identity and narrative. He advises organizations to create a sense of belonging by valuing and elevating the gifts of their employees. Elan also introduces his new book, 'Picking Up the Pieces: Leadership After Empire,' which explores non-hierarchical and non-coercive models of leadership.

GUEST NOTES:

Rabbi Babchuck’s new book: pickingupthepiecesbook.org

His organization launched a project in partnership with Springtide Research Institute called The Belonging Project, which uses a measurement tool to help communities analyze the levels of belonging for various subgroups in their community, and take appropriate action to create asense of belonging for everyone.

https://www.gleannetwork.org/elan-babchuck

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Definition of Belonging

07:50 The Belonging Index: Noticing, Naming, Knowing, and Needing

09:42 The Role of Individuals and Organizations in Creating Belonging

09:57 The Complexity of Belonging in a Polarized Society

09:58 Reweaving the Social Fabric and Rewriting Narratives

17:23 The Impact of Technology on Belonging and Identity

19:31 The Importance of Belonging and its Connection to Identity and Narrative

22:18 The Impact of the Decline of Faith Communities on the Search for Belonging

24:20 Creating a Sense of Belonging in Organizations

27:11 Non-Hierarchical and Non-Coercive Models of Leadership for Belonging

Other Resources in this episode:

David Brooks How to Know a Person

Gregory Ellison Fearless Dialogues

Maya Angelou I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Anne Helen Peterson Can’t Even

Anne Streaty Wimberly Soul Stories

In this conversation, Dr. Angela and Dr. Michaela O'Donnell discuss the concept of life in flux and the importance of embracing change. Dr. O'Donnell shares her journey of writing the book 'Life in Flux' and the experiences that shaped her understanding of change. They explore the idea of home and belonging, and how listening for the sounds of home can guide us through transitions. They also discuss the distinction between a midlife crisis and a midlife revival, emphasizing the importance of coming home to oneself and discerning what is truly ours to do. The conversation touches on the significance of preparation, developing a rhythm of life, and the difference between reacting and responding. They conclude by discussing the challenge of finding time for reflection and self-care in a busy world.

Takeaways

Life is always uncertain and constantly changing, and it is important to embrace this reality.

Having deep discussions with friends can be a valuable way to process ideas and navigate life's challenges.

Change and transition are inevitable, and it is important to create space for reflection and gain perspective before taking action.

Listening for the sounds of home, both externally and internally, can guide us through transitions and help us discern what is truly ours to do.

Midlife can be a time of pruning and coming home to oneself, where we focus on what truly matters and let go of what is not ours to carry. Embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth and revival in your life.

Find a sense of home and stability by letting go of limiting beliefs and narratives.

Consider the impact of your actions on others and create space for more people to ask questions and flourish.

Develop a rhythm of life that allows for reflection, self-care, and a sense of peace.

Distinguish between reacting and responding, and strive to respond thoughtfully and intentionally.

Make time for reflection and self-care, even in a busy world.

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Michaela O'Donnell is a Mom of two and Author of Life in Flux: Navigational Skills to Guide and Ground you in an Ever-Changing World. She is the Mary and Dale Andringa Executive Director at Max De Pree Center for Leadership as well as the Creator and Lead Professor of Fuller Seminary's Doctor of Global Leadership-Redemptive Imagination in the Marketplace track. 

GUEST NOTES:

Michaela's website:

www.michaelaodonnell.com

Connect with Michaela on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-o-donnell/

Buy Life in Flux

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Flux-Navigational-Skills-Ever-Changing/dp/154090363X

Bookshop

https://bookshop.org/p/books/life-in-flux-navigational-skills-to-guide-and-ground-you-in-an-ever-changing-world-lisa-pratt-slayton/21077981?ean=9781540901613

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Life in Flux

07:57 Deep Discussions and the Joy of Friendship

11:25 Writing 'Life in Flux': Reflections on Change and Transition

16:00 Home and Belonging: Listening for the Sounds of Home

19:01 Midlife Crisis or Midlife Revival: Coming Home to Oneself

35:52 Embracing Change and Finding Home in Flux

38:26 Creating Space for Others to Flourish

41:56 Belonging and Human Flourishing

45:05 Finding Peace and Stability in Flux

50:46 The Challenge of Time and Reflection

Other Resources in this Episode:

Richard Rohr's Falling Upward

Parker Palmer's Let Your Life Speak

Abri Daré's The Girl with the Louding Voice

Joy Sullivan's Instructions for Traveling West

Dr. Angela's Website

www.angelagorrell.com

Dr. Angela's Books

Braving Difficult Decisions: What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do

The Gravity of Joy: A Story of Being Lost and Found

always on: practicing faith in a new media landscape