How do we become more beautiful together? I speak with Julian Newman about just that.

Julian is the author of Beautiful Together: How to Become a Better Leader & Bridge Builder. He's the founder, and CEO of Culture Creative and The FutureCast Foundation. He is an altMBA graduate and inaugural Anthem Award-winning Diversity & Inclusion Leader of the Year, along with Trevor Noah.

His thought leadership has been featured in a range of media outlets including Forbes Magazine, Fox News, NPR and PBS affiliates.

We discuss the importance of leadership, empathy, and vulnerability in building connections and fostering personal growth. We explore the transformative power of shared experiences, the necessity of stepping out of comfort zones, and the role of curiosity and competence in effective leadership. Julian shares personal anecdotes and insights on navigating emotions, the significance of real conversations, and the journey of self-discovery. Our discussion emphasizes the need for meaningful interactions and the courage to be vulnerable in order to create a more beautiful and connected world.

Takeaways

Listening is crucial for meaningful interactions. Stepping out of comfort zones leads to personal growth. Shared meals can create transformative experiences. Curiosity and competence are essential for leadership. Investing small efforts can lead to significant outcomes. Finding meaning in our actions is vital for fulfillment. Vulnerability fosters deeper connections with others. Real conversations are necessary for resolving conflicts. Empathy can bridge divides and foster understanding. Reuniting with our true selves is a journey worth taking.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julian Newman and His Work 02:57 The Importance of Presence and Listening 06:03 Experiencing Culinary Adventures and Comfort Zones 08:59 The Role of Collaboration in Leadership 11:38 Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth 14:46 The Hero's Journey and Embracing the Unknown 17:44 Curiosity and Competence in Adventure 20:43 Investing in Small Steps Towards Goals 23:45 Finding Meaning and Purpose in Actions 26:36 Rekindling Wonder and Curiosity 29:46 Building Bridges Through Conversation 32:42 The Power of Connection and Understanding 38:04 The Importance of Face-to-Face Conversations 38:59 Digital Disconnection and Polarization 41:55 Empathy Through Understanding 44:43 Reunion with Our True Selves 50:34 Vulnerability as a Bridge 56:03 The Courage to Apologize 59:49 Finding the Essential in the Immediate

In my conversation, with Pace Randolph he shares his journey as a musician, discussing how he embraced creativity during the pandemic by writing a song every day. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome, and how embracing imperfection can lead to deeper connections through music. Our discussion also touches on the challenges of modern distractions, the joy of road trips, and the significance of community and belonging in our lives. Pace introduces his project, the Choir Imperfect, which aims to bring together 100k voices from around the world to create a collaborative album, highlighting the power of music to foster connection and self-discovery.

Takeaways

Creativity can flourish during challenging times. Embracing imperfection is key to artistic growth. Music serves as a powerful form of emotional communication. Finding balance in life is essential for well-being. Road trips can provide a sense of freedom and joy. Being present enhances our experiences and connections. Modern distractions can hinder our ability to connect with ourselves and others. Structure and discipline are crucial for creative success. Community and belonging are vital for mental health. Self-discovery is a journey that leads to deeper connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 03:08 Creativity During the Pandemic 05:51 Embracing Imperfection in Art 08:54 The Power of Music and Connection 11:20 Finding Gratitude and Balance 14:20 The Importance of Disconnecting 17:01 Navigating Modern Distractions 20:11 The Pursuit of Effectiveness Over Efficiency 28:29 The Importance of Presence 37:08 Belonging and Connection 45:14 The Choir Imperfect Project 53:35 The Art of Showing Up

In my conversation with Austin Carty we explore the intersection of writing, personal growth, and the art of preaching. We discuss how technology, particularly AI, has revolutionized content creation, making it more efficient. Austin shares insights from his book, 'Some of the Words Are Theirs,' emphasizing the importance of time in both writing, and life experiences.

Austin Carty is pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson, South Carolina. He holds an MDiv from Wake Forest University and a DMin from Emory University. He is the author of High Points and Lows: Life, Faith, and Figuring It All Out and The Pastor's Bookshelf: Why Reading Matters for Ministry, which received the 2023 Christianity Today Award of Merit and was named Book of the Year by Preaching magazine. His new book, Some of the Words Are Theirs: The Art of Writing and Living a Sermon.

Our conversation delves into themes of hope in hardship, the significance of place and personal history, and the journey of self-discovery through writing. We also touch on the complexities of human emotions, and the challenge of caring in a distracted world, ultimately highlighting the legacy of our words and actions.

In this conversation, I talk with Andrew Camp a former chef, a former pastor interested in all things food and spirituality and host of The Biggest Table. A podcast where Andrew explores along with his guests the intersection of food and faith-how food, the table, and hospitality might inform our lives in ways that are more conducive to the life we were created to live.

We explore the intersections of food, spirituality, and connection. We also discuss the significance of meals in fostering relationships, the importance of creating intentional spaces for connection, and the role of curiosity in understanding ourselves and others. Our dialogue also touches on the tension between joy and grief, the beauty found in the mundane, and the journey towards living an integrated life. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Andrew emphasize the need for authenticity, humility, and the recognition of limits in our lives.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Podcasting and Technology Challenges 01:02 The Significance of Meals in Life and Spirituality 06:03 Food as a Medium for Connection and Memory 09:32 Breaking Down Barriers Through Shared Meals 13:54 Creating Intentional Spaces for Connection 17:54 Nurturing Curiosity in a Fast-Paced World 24:28 Finding Wonder in the Mundane 29:11 Creating Meaningful Connections at the Dinner Table 32:00 The Importance of Being Present in Everyday Moments 34:37 Intentionality in Relationships and Experiences 37:35 Navigating Expectations and Curiosity in Conversations 40:08 Finding Awe in Everyday Life 44:02 Living with Tension and Embracing Limits 48:09 Flourishing in Our Unique Journeys

What if joy isn't about choosing between the hard and the good—but embracing both? In this episode of This Undivided Life, I talk with Jillian Benfield, author of Overwhelmed & Grateful: The Key to Finding God's Goodness in All Life's Ups & Downs. We all want joy—but life is hard. Culture tells us to focus on the positive, yet science shows ignoring our pain only makes things worse. Jillian shares how real joy comes when we embrace both the hard and the good—the "&" in life. Through her own story and practical insights, she reminds us we can be honest about our struggles and grateful for our blessings. Because life is both hard and beautiful—and true joy is found right there in the middle.

In our conversation, I talk with Jimmy Darts author of his new book Undercover KindnessSaying Yes to Love, No to Fear, and Embracing the Life-Changing Power of Ordinary Generosity. Jimmy is a star in the world of social media best known for his heartwarming "random acts of kindness" and "giveback" videos that inspire more than twenty million followers to pay it forward and spread positivity in the world. He is GoFundMe's top organizer of fundraisers started for others, and his work has been featured in media outlets including CNN, Fox News, and Today.

We discuss the transformative power of kindness, the importance of maintaining a soft heart, and the role of questions in personal growth. We explore how to navigate disappointment with hope, the significance of generosity, and the beauty in everyday life. Our discussion emphasizes the value of attention and presence in relationships, the necessity of forgiveness for personal freedom, and the idea of living an integrated life filled with childlike faith and purpose.

Takeaways

Questions can be a catalyst for change. Maintaining a soft heart is essential for personal growth. Disappointment can lead to deeper hope and understanding. Generosity is a key to living a fulfilling life. We must actively seek beauty in the world around us. Paying attention to others can transform relationships. Childlike faith allows us to embrace life fully. Forgiveness is crucial for our own freedom. Living an integrated life means valuing every moment and interaction. Everyone has equal value and deserves kindness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 02:58 The Power of Questions 05:52 Maintaining a Soft Heart 08:47 Navigating Disappointment and Hope 12:00 Understanding Choice and Attitude 15:41 The Role of Generosity 19:01 Recognizing Opportunities for Kindness 21:41 The Ripple Effect of Kindness 24:50 The Importance of Perspective 27:58 Stewarding Your Heart and Mind 31:12 The Power of Small Acts 34:16 The Impact of Kindness on Identity 36:06 Valuing People and Paying Attention 39:12 Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom 43:05 Childlike Faith and Its Importance 51:20 Living an Integrated Life

In this episode we interview Tommy Brown, a pastor and author, about his new book, The Speed of Soul: Four Rhythms for a Quiet Life in a World of Noise.

We explore themes of life transitions, the healing power of water, the significance of everyday work, and the importance of simplicity and mindfulness in a complex world. Tommy emphasizes the need to revise our understanding of work, the role of technology, and the value of community and connection. The discussion culminates in a reflection on living a life of integrity and embracing the journey of faith.

Takeaways

The best day on the water is any day. Water has a healing and resetting power. What we do now matters, even when unnoticed. Following Jesus is simple but impossible without help. Multitasking doesn't work; focus on one thing. Love deeply, live quietly, and mind your own business. The kingdom of God is right here, in our everyday lives. Words matter; they can call out the good in others. We need to make a family out of no family. You can live quietly and love deeply.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Life Transitions 02:37 The Healing Power of Water 05:47 The Significance of Everyday Work 08:31 Simplicity in Following Jesus 11:40 The Importance of Working with Our Hands 14:35 The Dangers of Multitasking 17:25 Revising Our Understanding of Work 20:27 The Human Element in Work 23:10 Finding Meaning in the Mundane 25:58 The Invitation to Engage with Life 28:11 The Simplicity of Spiritual Practices 31:22 Finding Treasure in Everyday Life 34:23 The Importance of Community and Connection 38:02 Living with Intention in a Distracted World 40:27 The Call to Love and Serve Others 47:19 Integrating Faith into Daily Life

In this episode we talk with Katy Bowser Hutson and her recent book Now I Lay Me Down to Fight: A Poet Writes Her Way Through Cancer. She talks about her jouney through her fight with breast cancer. Through poetry and prose with a realness of someone who has literally been ravaged by cancer, but somehow was, and now is, able to fight through, even it was laying down.

Katy Bowser Hutson is a writer and songwriter. She is the author of Now I Lay Me Down to Fight (IVP) and the coauthor of Little Prayers for Ordinary Day (IVP Kids). She's also a contributing to projects like It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God and Wild Things and Castles in the Sky (Square Halo Press).

Katy is a creator/member of the children's band Rain for Roots. She is co-creator of kid's jazz outfit Coal Train Railroad. She's also a founding member of Rain for Roots. Katy and her husband, musician and producer Kenny Hutson, have also created a musical project or two along the way, as well as contributing to various and sundry other musical endeavors. Because it's Nashville.

Katy also speaks at conferences and event and consults on endeavors in faith and art.

She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband Kenny, their two children, and some chickens, where she has built a rather wonky but serviceable labyrinth in her backyard and hosts many deer and fireflies.

Did you know that more than 25 million people in the U.S.—a number greater than the entire population of Florida—are not receiving the support they need for severe anxiety?

In this episode, we speak with Shaunti Feldhahn, co-author of When Hurting People Come to Church: How People of Faith Can Help Solve the Mental Health Crisis, about the vital role the local church can play in bridging the enormous gap between those who need mental health support and the professionals available to provide it.

Currently, it's estimated that we are short over 100,000 mental health professionals—a deficit driven by the overwhelming demand for care.

But there is hope.

Shaunti Feldhahn, a social researcher and bestselling author, along with Dr. James Sells, a psychologist and professor, believe that laypeople in the church can help fill this gap by walking alongside those who are struggling.

Their book draws on national research involving more than 2,000 church leaders and offers practical, research-based strategies for how the church can provide meaningful support in the midst of this mental health crisis.

In this episode we talk with podcaster, coach, and disciple maker, Tony Miltenberger. We talk about his new book, Wisdom in the Wound: How God Uses Your Past to Shape Who You're Becoming, exploring the themes of personal growth, emotional intelligence, and the importance of connection in our lives. We discuss how to live an interruptible life, the significance of coping mechanisms, and the power of sharing our stories.

Our conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in relationships and leadership, the journey of understanding our wounds and gifts, and the importance of creating space for reflection and growth. Through practical insights and personal anecdotes, we encourage listeners to embrace their journeys and cultivate a life of purpose and connection.

Tony Miltenberger is the founder of Follow2Lead Coaching. He is a veteran, podcast host, executive coach, author, and the associate pastor of disciple making at Centerville Grace Church. Throughout the years, Tony has traveled the globe taking deployments in Kuwait, El Salvador, and numerous marriage retreats throughout the US. He has consulted with churches in the deep south and multi-million dollar organizations in the Midwest.

He has done hundreds of hours of pastoral counseling and executive coaching. Each conversation helps people uncover their true potential by taking a deep look at their past as well as their hopes for the future. He is genuinely curious and passionate about pursuing the mission of making disciples who make disciples.

His proudest accomplishment is being the father to three amazing kids and being married to his high school sweetheart (Karen) for over 20 years.