In this episode, Benji sits down with Dave Bindewald (Director at the Center for Play and Exploration) to explore a bold idea—what if goodness is the fundamental truth of our world? We dive into how to spot goodness in everyday life, why divergent thinking is the key and simple ways to unlock hidden potential. This conversation will fill you with curiosity, creativity, and optimism.

00:00 Introduction to the Concept of Goodness00:20 Struggling with the Idea of Goodness00:34 Exploring Goodness in the World01:36 Theological Perspectives on Goodness08:41 Wrestling with Goodness Amidst Violence12:55 The Role of Resurrection and Restoration19:22 Personal Reflections on Goodness27:48 Goodness in Everyday Life31:43 The Hidden Potential of Goodness35:03 Goodness in Human Relationships40:43 The Ultimate Goodness and Eternity44:54 Divergent Thinking Explained49:39 Exercises to Strengthen Divergent Thinking56:38 The Importance of Play and Exploration01:02:01 Practical Applications and Final Thoughts

In this video, I share my personal journey toward self-discovery and the importance of honesty and core values. Having grown up in a missionary family in Kenya and working in ministry, my faith crumbled about five years ago, leading me to an intense season of -- identity crisis and depression.

In this episode, Benji sits down with Trace Bell, Founder of Open Aware, which is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential through integration, systems thinking, and embodiment. Trace is also the son of Spiritual Author and Teacher, Rob Bell. This is a nerd-out episode! Trace and Benji are talking about spiral dynamics.

Spiral Dynamics is a model used to understand the development between individuals, societies, and organizations. It helps us understand the value systems (what they care about and what motivates them) of different people and organizations, as they move through distinct stages of development.

Specifically today, we're breaking down each stage, each color, and giving you context for how this could be helpful to your development.

Want to look further into the spiral?

Books:

Spiral Dynamics: By Don Beck and Christopher Cowan:

https://www.amazon.com/Spiral-Dynamics-Mastering-Values-Leadership/dp/1405133562

Motivation and Personality: By Abraham Maslow:

https://www.amazon.com/Motivation-Personality-H-Maslow-ebook/dp/B07VWP9X6J/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2CU1QIC78GB4B&keywords=Motivation+and+Personality%3A+By+Abraham+Maslow&qid=1685998507&s=books&sprefix=motivation+and+personality+by+abraham+maslow%2Cstripbooks%2C78&sr=1-2

Me, We, Everybody - Rob Bell & Trace Bell:

https://www.tracebelll.com/meweeverybody

I would love to connect with anyone willing to give this podcast their time and attention. Let's keep the conversation going.

Connect with Trace:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracebelll/

Personal Website: https://www.tracebelll.com/

Work Website: https://www.open-aware.com/

Connect with Benji and Undercurrents:

Apple Podcasts & Spotify: Undercurrents with Benji Block

Instagram: @benjiblock

Instagram for the show: @undercurrentspodcast

TikTok: @undercurrentspodcast

In this episode, Benji sits down with Rebecca Thomas Cole, a Trauma Informed Life Coach. Rebecca shares her journey as a survivor of domestic violence. We discuss the importance of courage, the power of holding space, and why the evangelical church struggles to be honest.

I would love to connect with anyone willing to give this podcast their time and attention. Let's keep the conversation going.

Connect with Rebecca:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reblcoaching/

Website: https://reblcoaching.com/

Connect with Benji and Undercurrents:

Apple Podcasts & Spotify: Undercurrents with Benji Block

Instagram: @benjiblock

Instagram for the show: @undercurrentspodcast

TikTok: @undercurrentspodcast

In this episode, Benji sits down with Nicole Serrano, a former Christian singer-songwriter who recently came out as a lesbian on Good Morning America. Nicole shares her journey of growing up in a non-affirming church yet eventually finding the courage to be true to herself. As a Christian artist who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, we discuss the intersection of belief, honesty, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Website: https://www.nicoleserranomusic.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Q3Bf69OLRJEZBigSjtUs5?si=O-CpbbYnSQOwThlUIdJb5Q

In this episode, Benji sits down with Mathias Omotola. Mathias is an artist, he's part of the Cinema 4D and 3D animation space with his work, and he's also a published author. He recently released his debut book, "The 5 Most Important Things You Didn't Learn in School."

Today we're exploring the concept of rebirth, living honestly and with intention, the pendulum of community and agency, as well as the dance between the masculine and feminine.

I would love to connect with anyone willing to give this podcast their time and attention. Let's keep the conversation going.

Connect with Mathias:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathiasomotola/

Book on Amazon 

Connect with Benji and Undercurrents:

⁠YouTube Click Here⁠

Apple Podcasts & Spotify: Undercurrents with Benji Block

Instagram: @benjiblock

Instagram for the show: @undercurrentspodcast

TikTok: @undercurrentspodcast

In this episode, Benji sits down with Scott Hodge, Founder of Society57 and Lead Misfit of The Orchard. Today we're exploring Scott's love of art and beauty, crafting a community centered on shared values, and the opportunity for evolution found in honesty and pain.

In this episode, I'm giving you my hypothesis of the 1 core value we must all share. I'm also reading feedback answering some questions about the podcast, and telling you the biggest fear/mind game I've felt since launching this thing a month ago.

I would love to connect with anyone willing to give this podcast their time and attention. Keep the conversation going!

Connect:

Apple Podcasts & Spotify: Undercurrents with Benji Block

YouTube: Undercurrents with Benji Block

Instagram: @benjiblock

Instagram for the show: @undercurrentspodcast

TikTok: @undercurrentspodcast

In this episode, Benji sits down with Sarah Barlow, photographer for Taylor Swift, Pharrell, Halsey, and many more. We're exploring Sarah's journey and how she fights dogma, holds to curiosity, and continues to grow.

Sarah explains why she questions everything and how she finds beauty in spaces previously deemed "off-limits".I would love to connect with anyone willing to give this podcast their time and attention. Keep the conversation going!

Connect with Sarah:

Website: https://www.low-field.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbarlow/

Connect with Benji and Undercurrents:

Apple Podcasts & Spotify: Undercurrents with Benji Block

YouTube: Undercurrents with Benji Block

Instagram: @benjiblock

Instagram for the show: @undercurrentspodcast

TikTok: @undercurrentspodcast

In this episode, Benji sits down with Tim Whitaker, creator, and facilitator of The New Evangelicals. We're exploring Tim's journey and how his core value of honesty and integrity has led him away from the traditional evangelical spaces he grew up in. Tim explains why he is comfortable being contrarian and how shared beliefs aren't the same as shared values.

I would love to connect with anyone willing to give this podcast their time and attention. Let's keep the conversation going.

Connect with Tim and New Evangelicals:

Website: https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewevangelicals/

Connect with Benji and Undercurrents:

Apple Podcasts & Spotify: Undercurrents

YouTube: Undercurrents Podcast

Instagram: @benjiblock

Instagram for the show: @undercurrentspodcast

TikTok: @undercurrentspodcast