How important is it to be a good conversationalist?

In an age of widespread loneliness, close relationships are at a premium, and it’s harder than ever to find common ground, even with those we spend time with on a daily basis. According to Heather Holleman, this is due in part to the fact that we have lost the ability to have what she calls “good conversations.”

“Good conversations create personal closeness,” she says. “When you have good conversations, it could intervene in the loneliness epidemic.”

In this episode, she discusses her book “The Six Conversations: Pathways to Connecting in an Age of Isolation and Inactivity,” in which she offers loads of practical tips for becoming better listeners, talkers, question askers, and ultimately, human beings.

Show Notes:

Similar episodes

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Kelly Corrigan: How Vulnerability Leads to Connection

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Resources mentioned this episode

The Six Conversations by Heather Holleman

Episode Transcript

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This is our unabridged interview with Rebecca DeYoung.

Sin.

It's a word seen by many as a "religious word," one which evokes all manner of images. Like, maybe Las Vegas. Or the temptation of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis. But many see it as an irrelevant word to their contemporary life.

Our guest today has studied what are traditionally referred to as the seven deadly sins. She proposes that the medieval taxonomy of sin is actually -quite- relevant to our lives today; and that it can steer us -away- from destructive ways of life, and toward habits, practices, dispositions which make possible, a better life.

Rebecca DeYoung is author of the award-winning book “Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies” and a Professor of Ethics, History, and Philosophy at Calvin College.

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Sin.

It's a word seen by many as "religious word," one which evokes all manner of images. Like, maybe Las Vegas. Or the temptation of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis. But many see it as an irrelevant word to their contemporary life.

Our guest today has studied what are traditionally referred to as the seven deadly sins. She proposes that the medieval taxonomy of sin is actually -quite- relevant to our lives today; and that it can steer us -away- from destructive ways of life, and toward habits, practices, dispositions which make possible, a better life.

Rebecca DeYoung is author of the award-winning book “Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies” and a Professor of Ethics, History, and Philosophy at Calvin College.

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This is our unabridged interview with Peter Harris and Jo Swinney.

“If you live in community, you have no choice but to tell a true story.”

Peter Harris, Anglican clergyman and founder of environmental non-profit A Rocha, lost his beloved wife Miranda in a car accident in South Africa. Miranda left behind a grieving community, and an unfinished book.

Their daughter, Jo Swinney, found her mother’s unfinished book, full of wisdom and stories from a life dedicated to hospitality. She finished and published it, and in the process, learned much about both grief and joy.

In this episode, Peter and Jo sit down in front of a live audience to discuss the legacy of hospitality and faith that Miranda left, what it has been like to grieve, and what it might be like to see a deteriorating world with the same hope that Miranda did.

Similar episodes

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A Place at the Table by Jo Swinney and Miranda Harris

A Rocha International

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“If you live in community, you have no choice but to tell a true story.”

Peter Harris, Anglican clergyman and founder of environmental non-profit A Rocha, lost his beloved wife Miranda in a car accident in South Africa. Miranda left behind a grieving community, and an unfinished book.

Their daughter, Jo Swinney, found her mother’s unfinished book, full of wisdom and stories from a life dedicated to hospitality. She finished and published it, and in the process, learned much about both grief and joy.

In this episode, Peter and Jo sit down in front of a live audience to discuss the legacy of hospitality and faith that Miranda left, what it has been like to grieve, and what it might be like to see a deteriorating world with the same hope that Miranda did.

Similar episodes

Peter Harris: The Collapse of the Biosphere

Katharine Hayhoe: “The Most Polarized Issue in the United States”

Burying 250 Friends: Greg Boyle on Community Amidst Gang Violence

A Place at the Table by Jo Swinney and Miranda Harris

A Rocha International

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This is our unabridged interview with N.T. Wright.

How does art affect our theology?

“Most Christians believe that the aim of the game is to go to heaven when you die. That’s wrong,” says N.T. Wright, Anglican bishop and bestselling author. In fact, he argues, most Christians have gotten it completely backwards. We don’t go there when we die - it comes to us when we live.

In this episode, we discuss how such a drastic theological error can be widely accepted, and why the stories we tell each other through art have a greater impact on our beliefs than we think.

Similar episodes

William Paul Young: Author of The Shack

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Resources mentioned this episode

Ask N.T. Wright Anything Podcast

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How does art affect our theology?

“Most Christians believe that the aim of the game is to go to heaven when you die. That’s wrong,” says N.T. Wright, Anglican bishop and bestselling author. In fact, he argues, most Christians have gotten it completely backwards. We don’t go there when we die - it comes to us when we live.

In this episode, we discuss how such a drastic theological error can be widely accepted, and why the stories we tell each other through art have a greater impact on our beliefs than we think. Plus, we hear on the subject from two master storytellers, Tom and Tony Bancroft.

Similar episodes

William Paul Young: Author of The Shack

Rebecca DeYoung: Seven Ways to Ruin Your Life

John Mark Comer: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Resources mentioned this episode

Ask N.T. Wright Anything Podcast

Join NSE+ Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows 

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Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

How can one be grateful during difficult times? And how do we talk to one another in a polarized world?

In this episode, we bring you four conversations to tee you up for a successful and meaningful time with family and friends. First, we hear from six-time Grammy-winner Amy Grant on her newfound gratitude in the wake of a traumatic bike accident. Then, Heather Holleman gives us all practical tips on having great bonding conversations that make people feel seen and heard, transcending the things that divide us. Third, community organizer and activist Diane Latiker shares how she opened up her home and changed the trajectory of a neighborhood through hospitality. Lastly, author Oliver Burkeman reveals the key to living in the moment and transforming the mundane into something meaningful.

Altogether, it’s the perfect toolkit for getting in the right frame of mind and heading into the holidays with gratitude and conversation.

Similar episodes

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Resources mentioned this episode

4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

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Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, No Small Endeavor hosts a live variety show in downtown Nashville featuring esteemed musicians and guest speakers.

In 2022, we were joined at the world-famous Ryman Auditorium by Americana duo Johnnyswim and psychiatrist Curt Thompson. It was a night of laughter, story, and song, all to celebrate hospitality, vulnerability, and gratitude. In this episode, we feature some of the highlights from that show.

Show Notes:

Similar episodes

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Resources mentioned this episode

The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson

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Should Christians condone war?

There is a long history of debate among Christians regarding the use of violence. Is “turning the other cheek” an excuse to take oppression lying down? Should Christians adhere to national military obligations? Is there such a thing as a “just war,” or is all killing anti-Christian?

Michael Budde has been studying these questions for a long time. In this episode, he discusses why he thinks Christians are called to total non-violence, why nationalism is responsible for many of the church’s historical failings, and what a counter-cultural version of faith might look like.

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Taking the Beatitudes Seriously: John Dear

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Actor and Activist: Martin Sheen

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No Bars to Manhood by Daniel Berrigan

PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes

Transcript for Abridged Episode

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