In this laid-back conversation, Zach and Brian unpack the "fruit test," inspired by Matthew 6 and Ignatian discernment. The Bible isn’t always as clear as we’d like, but don't worry! It'’s all about paying attention to the Fruit of the Spirit and remembering that God is love—so if something isn’t loving, it’s not from God. They also touch on how the truth sets you free, and if it doesn’t, well… it’s probably not the truth. Grab a cup of coffee and join in for some easygoing spiritual reflection!

Brian and Paula engage in a transparent discussion about the lives and deaths of their parents, exploring the lasting impact of early parental loss and dealing with a parent suffering from alcoholism and bipolar disorder. Key themes in their conversation include faith, shame, and healing, as well as spiritual bypassing, the concept of being "Wounded Healers," and the influence of grief on their roles as parents and their ministry.

Links and Resources:

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.als.org/understanding-als/what-is-als

https://www.samhsa.gov/

Welcome back to the pod!

In Episode Two, Brian and Zach each tell their faith story.

Brian shares his experiences growing up around the church, how living overseas and being trained as a therapist have impacted his journey, and how he now understands it.

Zach shares his journey from a Bible-thumping teen to a deconstructing college kid and temporary atheist and how spiritual formation and direction helped him to process the divine encounter that saved his faith.

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to the Eremos podcast! In the inaugural episode, Zach and Brian discuss:

• ​A brief history of their friendship
• ​How the Eremos nonprofit came to be
• ​The meaning behind the word eremos and the values/mission of the organization
• ​Introductory thoughts on deconstruction, contemplative spirituality, mental health, and contemporary culture
• ​What to expect from the podcast in the future

Thank you for listening!