This Undivided Life

In this episode, Jeff Burningham discusses the importance of presence, inner work, and embracing the human experience in the age of AI. He shares insights from his book 'The Last Book Written by a Human' and explores how mindfulness, trauma healing, and living in flow can lead to a more meaningful life.

Jeff is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, spiritual advisor, and author dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming society. With a deep interest in consciousness exploration and personal transformation, he brings a unique perspective to the ethical and philosophical questions surrounding AI. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and what it means to be human in the era of intelligent machines.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeff Burningham and the Book 03:44 The Shift to Living in the Present Moment 05:04 Healing from Trauma and Inner Work 06:55 The Illusion of Control and Embracing Change 08:52 The Role of Nature and Grounding in Spiritual Practice 10:47 The Wisdom of the Body and Embodiment 13:11 Relationships as a Path to Self-Understanding 14:57 AI as a Reflection of Humanity 17:00 The Significance of Dying Well and Living Fully 19:00 The Difference Between Wisdom and Intelligence 21:01 The Hero's Journey and Shedding False Identities 23:00 The Power of Inner Peace and Stillness 25:12 The Practice of Asking the Right Questions 27:08 The Challenge of Distraction and Cultivating Awe 29:04 The Practice of Gratitude and Living in Wonder 30:59 Living a Divinely Oriented Life 32:54 The Cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth 35:06 The Sacredness of Everyday Moments 37:02 The Importance of Self-Discovery and Inner Work 38:54 The Role of Meditation and Stillness 41:10 The Impact of Trauma and Healing 42:48 The Power of Play and Childlike Wonder 45:00 Questions About Purpose and Existence 47:00 The Uncertainty of the Future and Embracing Mortality 49:08 The Practice of Gratitude and Appreciation 50:53 The Joy of Returning to Playfulness 53:10 The Significance of Forgetting and Releasing Ego 55:02 Living a Life of Service and Love 56:54 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Dr. Winfred Neely shares insights on living an undivided life rooted in agape love, the importance of intentional relationships, and navigating life's uncertainties with wisdom and faith. We talk about his newset book, A Love to Live By: Rediscovering Agape Love in Scripture

Dr. Winfred Neely is an ordained minister of the gospel and was a professor of hermeneutics, homiletics, and pastoral studies at Moody Bible Institute of Chicago for more than twenty years. He is the retired Vice President and Academic Dean of Moody Theological Seminary and Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Biblical Interpretation, and Biblical Preaching. Prior to joining the faculty at Moody, Winfred served churches in the city of Chicago and brings to his ministry a global perspective, having served as a missionary/pastor in Senegal, West Africa, for nine years. He is also involved in a global equipping ministry, speaking and conducting workshops and training events at churches and conferences in the US and abroad. He and his wife, Stephne, have been married for fifty years and have four adult children and ten grandchildren. He takes acting classes from time to time and is an ardent fan of science fiction films such as Star Wars and Star Trek.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Winfred Neely and his work 04:01 The significance of love in Christian life 07:02 The role of intentionality in relationships 09:59 Practicing agape love through small acts 14:54 Handling friction and love in difficult times 20:05 The importance of prayer and spiritual sensitivity 24:58 Learning from past failures and humility 30:03 The biblical foundation of love and responsibility 34:56 The power of obedience and sacrificial love 39:59 Modeling love for the next generation 45:03 Wisdom in navigating life's uncertainties 49:56 Anchoring in Christ during storms 54:51 The importance of family and character in leadership 01:00:11 Living a life of integrity and love 01:04:59 Final thoughts on undivided living and love in action

In this episode, Brett McCracken author of The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God's Truth and Revives Weary Souls,discusses how sleep and rest are vital for living an attentive, undivided life. He explores the spiritual and practical benefits of rest, the importance of recognizing our limits, and how sleep impacts our relationships and spiritual well-being.

Brett McCracken is a senior editor for The Gospel Coalition and a leading voice at the intersection of faith, culture, and the arts.

For two decades he has written articles and books that have helped Christians love the church, understand cultural trends, and engage the arts with thoughtful appreciation and biblical discernment. In recent years his focus has been on how the digital age shapes souls and erodes wisdom. This emphasis began with his influential 2021 book, The Wisdom Pyramid, followed by a co-edited project in 2025, Scrolling Ourselves to Death. His newest book, The Wisdom of Sleep(Zondervan Reflective, 2026), doubles as a theological reflection on rest and a critique of our optimization-obsessed technological moment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The harmony of work and rest 02:14 The spiritual significance of gratitude and everyday moments 05:08 The wisdom of recognizing human limits and God's sovereignty 07:55 The biblical foundation for wisdom and humility 12:01 Sleep's impact on emotional health and relationships 15:05 Living undivided: Presence, attention, and community 17:46 The importance of margin and intentionality in life 22:03 Digital distraction, sleep, and the modern challenge 26:08 The beauty of uncontrollable moments and divine gifts 30:09 Practicing gratitude and trust in God's provision 33:53 Trusting God's sovereignty and living with limits 38:12 The power of small moments and everyday wonder 43:10 Parenthood, presence, and the gift of time 47:49 Seizing grace and living in the moment 51:46 The importance of rest for serving others 56:01 The harmony of work, rest, and divine design 59:00 Conclusion: Living an integrated, undivided life

In this episode, I interview Dr. Eric Sandras founder of The Sanctuary Church, " beautifully messy community where the marginalized, the recovrting, misfits know they belong."

We explore the profound themes of belonging, sacred work, and the transformative power of love and grace in ministry and life. Eric shares personal stories, insights on suffering, and practical ways to embody proximity and compassion in a broken world. Dr. E shares profound stories and insights on grace, the human condition, and how to live an undivided life. I along with Dr. E explore themes of suffering, grace, authenticity, and the power of relationships, inspired by Brennan Manning's work and real-life experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 53:46 The Wave of Grief and Gratitude 54:14 Expanding Capacity for Joy 54:40 The Relationship Between Gratitude and Joy 55:07 Joy as a Fruit of Gratitude 55:37 Finding Joy in the Darkest Places 55:56 The Power of Gratitude in Difficult Times 56:26 God's Compassion and Our Response 56:51 The Role of Gratitude in Perspective 57:02 The Impact of Small Acts of Kindness 57:15 The Significance of Transparency and Vulnerability 57:24 The Disruptive Nature of Grace 57:44 Living an Undivided Life: Wholehearted Faith 01:00:26 Proximity and Authentic Relationships 01:01:08 Jesus' Relationship with the Marginalized 01:01:37 Knowing People by Name and Building Trust 01:02:06 The Power of Small Gestures 01:02:41 The Importance of Being Present 01:03:01 Transparency and Vulnerability in Relationships 01:03:29 The Impact of Small Acts of Kindness 01:03:36 The Disruption of Divine Appointments 01:04:06 Allowing God to Interfere in Our Schedules 01:04:26 Living an Integrated Life: Surrender and Obedience 01:04:47 The Role of Faith in Daily Life 01:05:16 Prioritizing Jesus in Every Area 01:05:24 Allowing Christ to Be Preeminent 01:06:12 Living a Life of Wholehearted Surrender 01:06:43 The Role of Recovery and Surrender 01:07:28 Reflections and Closing Remarks

key topics

In this episode, I interview Dr. Eric Sandras founder of The Sanctuary Church, " beautifully messy community where the marginalized, the recovrting, misfits know they belong."

We explore the profound themes of belonging, sacred work, and the transformative power of love and grace in ministry and life. Eric shares personal stories, insights on suffering, and practical ways to embody proximity and compassion in a broken world. Dr. E shares profound stories and insights on grace, the human condition, and how to live an undivided life. I along with Dr. E explore themes of suffering, grace, authenticity, and the power of relationships, inspired by Brennan Manning's work and real-life experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:53 The Meaning of Belonging and Fear of Abandonment 04:01 Sacred Work in Caring for Loved Ones 05:55 The Sacred in the Mundane and Ordinary 08:06 Rescue and Adoption: Personal Stories of Healing 09:57 Living Out the Gospel in the Margins 12:02 The Long Game: Love, Grace, and Suffering 14:00 Moving Towards Others with Grace and Proximity 15:59 The Church as a Hospital, Not a Museum 17:57 The Power of Love and Grace in Transformation 19:56 Navigating Gray Areas in Crisis and Care 21:53 Hope in Global Crises and the Power of Service 02:32 Stories of compassion and focus on positive impact 07:06 The role of media negativity and focusing on God's inspiring work 12:02 Inmates, purpose, and the power of helping others 16:59 The story of the satanic church leader and his drive to help 21:53 The importance of understanding and compassion in darkness 27:12 The story of Autumn and the smell of the gospel 32:10 The significance of grace and the offensive beauty of love 37:10 The power of choosing attitude and finding meaning in crisis 41:59 Living an undivided life: relationship with God, others, and self 46:53 The invitation of the gospel and community in action 51:57 The story of Autumn's transformation and the power of belonging 56:57 The influence of Brennan Manning and the Ragamuffin Gospel 01:01:54 Living in belovedness and embracing our humanity 01:06:58 Closing thoughts and encouragement to pursue authentic relationships

In my conversation with Zahara Seruyombya-McCoy, CEO of Children of Grace, we hear her extraordinary story of loss, survival, faith, and purpose. Zahara Seruyombya-McCoy is the CEO of Children of Grace, a wife and mom of three, and a compassionate leader whose own story of loss, faith, and hope fuels her work serving vulnerable children in Uganda.

Born in Uganda, Zahara shares what it was like to lose both of her parents as a child and enter a world shaped by poverty, hunger, instability, and survival. She reflects on the resilience that children can develop in the middle of hardship, the sustaining power of faith, and the inner tension of living between the life she came from and the life she was given through adoption in the United States.

Our conversation also explores parenting, generosity, empathy, and the life-changing impact of one person choosing to step in. Zahara's story is not just about being rescued — it's about becoming someone who now helps rescue others.

Takeaways:

1. Zahara's childhood in Uganda and the loss of both parents 2. How faith helped her endure survival mode as a child 3. What resilience looks like when childhood is interrupted by hardship 4. The contrast between Ugandan and American family life 5. How trauma shaped her parenting and deepened her empathy 6. Why true generosity is an investment in people, not just a donation 7. The story that led her back to Uganda and into leadership with Children of Grace 8. What it means to live a more integrated, less divided life

Jon Gustin is the founder of The Tired Dad LLC and the voice behind a community of more than two million followers who resonate with his honest, grounded portrayal of everyday fatherhood. Through his content, Jon has connected with parents by speaking to the exhaustion, pressure, and quiet responsibility that come with trying to faithfully show up for your family in the middle of real life. He also co-hosts The Tired Dad & Tired Mom Podcast with his wife, Jessica, where they have candid conversations about marriage, parenting, and the challenges of building a meaningful family life when everyone is running on empty. Jon is also the author of The Tired Dad, a book offering 100 practical, encouraging reflections for fathers who don't have it all figured out but deeply want to be present for what matters most.

He shares how wholeness isn't found in perfection, but in the steady, often difficult choice to keep showing up with humility, intention, and love.

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Shin and Shin Maeng, the author-illustrator team behind The Great Waking Up: The Story of Easter, for a rich and deeply human conversation about hospitality, imagination, faith, beauty, and the courage to keep dreaming.

We also talk about the creative process behind The Great Waking Up, and why they wanted to create a children's book that is both theologically rooted and visually stunning. Along the way, we explore the power of art to awaken curiosity, the role of beauty in faith formation, and why children's books can open profound conversations about resurrection, grief, hope, and the story of Jesus.

Sarah Shin is a writer, theologian, teacher, and ministry leader whose work brings together theological depth, imagination, and pastoral care. She has studied at MIT and completed advanced theological training at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She also teaches at Westminster Theological Centre in the UK. Sarah is passionate about helping people encounter Scripture with greater wonder, depth, and hope.

Shin Maeng is an illustrator and artist whose work is known for its beauty, theological richness, and emotional depth. His art invites both children and adults into deeper engagement with the biblical story. Together with Sarah, he helped create The Great Waking Up, a visually compelling retelling of the Easter story designed to spark imagination and spiritual curiosity.

1. Memorable meals and Turkish food in Scotland 2. Hospitality, restaurants, and finding family through welcome 3. Korean American family life, feeding others, and ministry through meals 4. Belonging begins with curiosity 5. Identity, stereotypes, and being invited to tell your story 6. Dreaming, hope, and the origins of The Great Waking Up 7. From dream to reality: writing, illustrating, and getting published 8. Art, imagination, and 'digital stained glass' 9. Beauty, sacred space, and art as a conversation starter 10. Fear, courage, and taking the next step 11. Collecting 'yes' stories and nurturing hope 12. Dreaming in midlife, parenting, and resisting resignation 13. Waiting, uncertainty, and trusting God in liminal seasons 14. Friendship, Sabbath, and living an undivided life 15. Post-interview reflections

I welcome back Tanner Olson, a poet and author, to discuss his latest book, Getting Through What You're Going Through. Our conversation delves into themes of presence, vulnerability, and the importance of community. Tanner shares insights from his journey as a father and writer, emphasizing the beauty of ordinary moments and the significance of being present in our lives. We explore how societal pressures can distract us from what truly matters, and how embracing simplicity can lead to a more fulfilling life. Tanner's reflections on grace, kindness, and the power of storytelling resonate throughout the discussion, offering listeners a heartfelt reminder of the importance of connection and compassion in navigating life's challenges.

Tanner Olson. is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster. He is the author of five books, including the highly acclaimed collection of poetry, Walk A Little Slower and his latest book, Getting Through What You're Going Through.

His writing has been described as "hopefully unique" as it blends faith, humor, and curiosity. Through his work I seek to point readers and listeners toward the ultimate source of hope and love, Jesus.

For over 10 years he has been traveling the country sharing poetry, delivering messages of grace, and offering stories of hope.

Tanner lives in Nashville, TN with his wife, son, and thier goldendoodle, Pancake.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:10 Tanner's Journey as a Father and Author 04:00 The Importance of Presence and Grace 11:57 Living an Ordinary Life 19:58 The Power of Vulnerability and Community 30:01 Navigating Life's Challenges Together 40:03 The Ripple Effect of Kindness 49:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Takeaways

"I cannot outrun God's grace and I cannot out-fail God's grace." "Ordinary is quite beautiful." "We all have more in common than we think." "This life is a gift and enjoying it is important." "You're not a burden for needing help." "The big things are the small things and the small things really do matter." "We can give each other a little bit of grace as we go forward." "I want to live with joy and steadiness." "We need to remember what it feels like to be invited." "I want to point you to something better, to someone more patient, loving, kind, graceful."

In my conversation with Blair Speed, a writer and photographer, she shares her profound journey through grief and healing after the loss of her husband, Travis. Blair reflects on the importance of community, the role of pets in her life, and how moments of play and connection can help us navigate life's challenges. She emphasizes the significance of being present and open to the beauty around us, even in the face of loss, and how love can transform our experiences, allowing us to grow and evolve through pain.

Blair recounts her experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail and the unexpected kindness of strangers, illustrating how these moments of connection can lead to deeper insights about life. The conversation also touches on the importance of acceptance, vulnerability, and the power of love in shaping our lives. As they discuss the complexities of grief, Blair shares how she has learned to embrace her emotions and the lessons they bring, ultimately leading to a richer, more integrated life.

Blair Speed is a Bozeman, Montana-based photographer, writer, and speaker. She crafts intimate images that communicate beauty, empathy, and spirit. Whether shooting personal, fine art, or commercial, her ability to hold moments is seen through her lens and an ever present appreciation for connection. Blair's lens shows her heart.