The Long Haul Podcast

In her 2019 book “Everything Isn’t Terrible,” Dr. Kathleen Smith offers a Bowen-Theory-based plan for calming down and improving relationships. In this podcast, I talk to Dr. Smith about her ideas, and why they’re so very important right now.

In this episode, I speak with Rev. Beth Newton Watson, a cherished colleague and one of the important figures in my ministerial formation. We talk about learning in the hospital, living in rural Indiana, and lending hope in tough times.

In this episode I chat with my colleague Rev. Jake Morrill about what we’re seeing, how we’re innovating, and how religion might change as a result of COVID-19.

In this episode, certified mindfulness teacher Dr. Ann Sebren is back to help us stay calm and centered in these times. Here are a couple of resources discussed in the episode:

https://jackkornfield.com/steady-heart/

https://www.tarabrach.com/rain/

I propose three ways leaders can come out of the pandemic ready to create a new, better world for themselves and those around them.

In this episode, I share a sermon about what I see as the unmasking of market religion in the midst of a pandemic. May we all remember that we are more than we can produce or earn.

Trinity and I talk about the essential services AZCEND provides to our neighbors facing food and housing insecurity, and the ways that those services continue as we face the COVID-19 crisis. This includes the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program, which provides housing, meals, and case management services for Chandler residents experiencing homelessness. Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the congregation which I serve, is the host site for the program through at least March 30th. You can get involved!

In this devotional, I explore the Biblical stories of David and Sampson, both referenced in Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah.” I end by playing a rendition of the song by VUU’s Alison Cantley.

In this brief episode, I share a devotional thought and a song sent in by a VUU member. If you would like to provide a resource to be shared with congregants in a future episode, please send it to [email protected].

In this episode, I talk with mindfulness expert Dr. Ann Sebren about the importance of slowing down and noticing our own thinking. It may be the cure for what is ailing our democracy. It will certainly help you engage more effectively with your loved ones and with those with whom you have serious disagreements.