Mormon Awakenings

Jack Naneek and Zach Derr discuss WWE, Andre the Giant and stagecraft.  Are outward performances worth much in insolation? And can we find inspiration by viewing staged wrestling events? Guest Zach Derr has some views about these things and more.

Jack Naneek interviews Dan Wotherspoon, host of Mormon Matters, about what awakening means in a Mormon context. Dan shares his views about maturing as a practicing Mormon, and, as someone with slightly different views than the typical Mormon. Which begs the question: At the end of the day, what exactly is a typical Mormon?

Jack Naneek explores unplugging. Many forces in our lives live off of us, beyond our awareness. Jack examines Nephi’s retreat into the mountains. Jesus’ 40 day fast and subsequent temptation illustrate the power of solitude. In the end, we learn that Facebook, Twitter and Das Man aren’t our friends.

Jack Naneek shares a story of a defective air handler.  A local technician tries to up sell an unneeded new one.  An email from Zach is received, and a couple comparisons are made.

Jack Naneek interviews Tyler Brough about Tyler’s progressing faith, growing understanding and accumulated wisdom. Tyler shares personal stories from his youth and adulthood.  Jack and Tyler discuss how their views of church, God, and the purpose of life have deepened over the years. During the podcast, Tyler mentions a Sacrament Meeting talk he gave in… Read More »Mormon Awakenings: Episode 035: Interview with Tyler Brough

Jack Naneek discusses the well intended but sometimes misguided salesmen in our lives. He shares an experience of a Deacon Quorum advisor, a good man, who sparked a lot of unintended thinking.  The great alchemists and fetal chickens of life know how to turn these experiences into deeper wisdom.

Jack Naneek discusses brute facts as compared to institutional facts. He introduces the work of John Searle, the construction of social reality, and the numbers of famous basketball players.  Ruth’s journey from Moab to Bethlehem illustrates these principles and concepts at their most basic.

Jack Naneek shares stories of worry and grief.  Most of us experience loneliness.  Most of us experience anxiety.   But, people from all places and across all cultures also share stories of comfort, healing and help from beyond.  Maybe something bigger is watching us, helping us, and loving us.  And that’s comforting indeed!

Jack Naneek discusses Mitt Romney’s campaign,  the LDS origin story, and how none of it is really that exceptional.  It turns out every group feels a little out of it, a little weird, a little abnormal. Turns out, this is totally normal.

Jack Naneek addresses conflict and submission.  Mormons love to submit, but, in so doing, they often sidestep great energy that comes from tension and conflict. Where should they draw the line? That might just be up to each individual to decide, based on their own experiences.