In this Advent conversation, writer and spiritual director Megan Nilsen helps us slow down, breathe deeply, and step into a deason that's often more chaotic than contemplative. Instead of chasing a perfect Advent, Megan invites us to an uncluttered posture - one that welcomes God in our limitations, our longings, and our everyday routines.

Together, we explore:

• How to release the pressure of a "picture perfect" Advent
• What Scripture reveals about waiting, hope, and holy anticipation
• Why formation begins with honesty, not performance
• Rhythms that ground our emotions and quiet our hurried minds
• How to make space for God in the middle of real life, not ideal life

If you're craving a season that feels more like rest than striving, presence over productivity, and sacred attentiveness instead of overwhelm, this episode will gently guide you back to the heart of Advent.

Find Megan

Instagram: @megan_nilsen

Website: meganbnilsen.com

In this episode, I'm joined by Christian therapist Meaghan Hampton, who speacializes in helping parents heal, regulate, and lead their homes with peace instead of reactivity. Together we explore why our emotional health matters for the spiritual formation for our kids, what regulation actually looks like in a busy household, and how the gospel invites us into a calmer, more connected way of parenting. If you've ever wondered how to respond instead of react or break cycles you never meant to repeat - this conversation will encourage, equip, and remind you that transformation is possible

Connect with Meaghan

Instagram: @Soulcareforfamilies

Substack: Soul Care Circle

Is it wrong to read the Old Testament with out constantly looking for Jesus in every passage? Many Christians assume that if we're not readind the Old Testament (should we even call is that?) through the lens of the New, we're somehow missing the gospel - or worse, denying it all together. In this episdoe, we unpack the misconceptions surrounding that idea.

We'll explore why understanding the Old Testament on its own terms doesn't diminish Christ - it actually deepens our understanding of Him. From the coventant promises and prophetic hopes to the rich picture of God's character and grace, the Old Testament holds its own sacred voice within the grand story of redemption.

Join us as we talk about what's lost when we rish to the New Testament too quickly, and what's gained when we let the Old Testament speak for itself- before seeing how it beautifully leads us to Jesus.

I opened a question box on Instagram and hear what you wanted to know about seminary and my seminary experience. In this episode, I'm answering your questions honestly - what I loved, what I didn't, and what you might expect if you're considering enrolling yourself.

I hope you enjoy this episdoe and if you have more questions after listening, drop them in the comments on instagram or Youtube - I would happily do a follow up video!

What does it mean to live face to face - with God, with others, and with our truest selves? In this episode of Theologically Fashioned, Aimee Bird discusses her newest book, Saving Face.

Through poetic reflection and theological honesty, Aimee invites us to explore what happens when our spiritual masks begin to crack - and how Christ meets us not in perfection, but in the vulnerable unveiling of who we really are. Together, Monica and Aimee talk about disillusionment in the church, the courage it takes to be seen, and how beauty and wonder can become pathways to healing.

Whether you've wrestled with faith, felt unseen in your community, or longed for a more authentic encounter with God, this conversation will hlelp you rediscover the face of grace.

Topics include:

• The meaning behind the title Saving Face
• Navigating spiritual disillusionment and church hurt
• Learning to live unmasked before God and others
• Beauty, vulnerability, and the art of being truly known

Find Aimee Byrd

AimeeByrd | Inside the Word, Outside the Box

Instagram | @AimeeByrdLife

As followers of Jesus, how do we engage with popular celebrations like Halloween? Do we have the freedom to read stories like Harry Potter and what about Yoga? In this episode, we talk about the importance of discernment - asking the deeper questions behind what we read, watch, and participate in. Rather than responding in fear or blind acceptance, we explore how Christian can cultivate wisdom, pay attention to conscience, and live with integrity in a culture full of gray areas. This conversation invites you to think critically, listen to the Spirits leading, and seek to glorify God as you love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

What can the medieval church teach us about living whole andholy lives today? In this episode, Dr. Grace Hamman - author, scholar, and hold of Old Books with Grace - talks about her new book, Ask of Old Paths; Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life. Together, we explore how medieval thinkers approach formation, desire, and the moral life, and how their insights still speak into our modern struggles with distraction, pride, and restlessness. Dr. Hamman offers a fresh invitation to recover ancient rhythms of grace, humility, and joy - showing that the "old paths" might just lead us home.

Ask Of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life

Find Grace

Website: GraceHamman.com

IG: Oldbookswithgrace

In this episdoe of Theologically Fashioned, Monica sits down with Dr. Nijay Gupta - New Testament scholar, author of Tell Her Story and Strange Religion, and co-host of the Slow Theology podcast with AJ Swoboda. Together, they dive into his brand-new book, co-authored with AJ Swoboda, Slow Theology: Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World.

In a culture obsessed with speed, efficiency, and instant restults, Nijay and AJ invite us to rediscover faith that is rooted, thoughtful, and unhurried. He shares why slowing down is essential for engaging Scripture, how this approach connects with his broader work, and what practical steps we can take to build a resilient faith that endures life's challenges.

If you've ever felt rushed in your walk with God or longed for deeper, steadier way to follow Jesus, this conversation will encourage you to breathe, pause, and lean into the slow work of theology.

Dr. Nijay Gupta

Dr. Aj Swoboda

Slow Theology: Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World

In this episode of Theologically Fashioned, I'm joined by Mariel Davenport, a speaker, writer, and creator of the TEND Bible study method. Mariel shares her powerful testimony of how God's Word transformed her life and why tending to our souls daily with Scripture matters so deeply.

Together, we unpack her TEND method—Take time to pray, Examine the Scripture, Notice the lesson, and Do what it says—a simple yet transformative way to approach the Bible with consistency and depth.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by Bible study or unsure of where to begin, this conversation will encourage and equip you to connect with God in a fresh, life-giving way.

Website: Mariel Davenport.Com

Instagram: Mariel Davenport | TEND Method Bible Studies

TEND Bible Study: Ruth

In this episdoe, I sit down with author and Bible Teacher Katie Reid to talk about her powerful Bible study on the book of Judges. We explore what this often overlooked book reveals about leadership, obedience, and how to make Godly deicions when life feels uncertain or chaotic. Katie offers practical insights and biblical wisdon to help us navigate seasons of confusion with faith, clarity, and courage. Whether you're facing a major life choice or simply learning to trust God more deeply, this conversatipon will encourage and equip you to seek His voice in every decision.

Katie Reid on Instagram

God, What Do I Do Bible Study