Show notes

Reflect on emotional sobriety, resilience, and pray a prayer of generosity.

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

---

Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

In this brief year-end message, Josh reflects on accomplishing a lifelong dream of writing a book and shares his experiences from the past year. He takes a moment to express gratitude to his clients and followers, recounts key professional milestones, including launching a counseling center and recording wisdom-filled content, and encourages listeners to reflect on their own growth. As the year closes, Josh offers inspiring insights for the year ahead and teases exciting future projects, including updates on his book and new initiatives.

00:00 Reflecting on a Lifelong Dream

01:03 Navigating Challenges and Offering Support

02:05 Achievements and Milestones of 2024

03:14 Looking Ahead to 2025

03:54 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of The Flourishing Way, a team of professionals specializes in helping couples overcome selfish sexual behavior and betrayal. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

Show notes

This episode, titled 'Words of Wisdom 142: On Directions and Destinations,' emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose and strong perseverance. Josh explains that purpose dictates direction while perseverance determines destination. Josh urges listeners to avoid quick fixes, be patient, resilient, and strive for their highest purpose through sacrificial generosity. Inspirational quotes from Shane Parrish and Theodore Roosevelt are included to reinforce these points. The episode also provides reflective questions to help listeners evaluate their purpose, standards of excellence, and actions. You are called to embrace your challenges and pursue your highest calling with wisdom and perseverance.

00:00 Introduction: Words of Wisdom 142

00:05 Maxim: Purpose and Perseverance

01:01 Quotes to Inspire

02:18 Reflective Questions

02:46 Conclusion: Embrace Your Challenges

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

---

Links

Shane Parrish, ​Clear Thinking​

Theodore Roosevelt, Full speech ​here​.

---

Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

n this episode of Words of Wisdom, the focus is on guiding principles of discipleship, as presented by Josh. The key points discussed include the relational nature of discipleship, which requires intentional time, patience, and love. Six guiding principles are outlined: 1) Pursue presence by maintaining a close connection with God, 2) Joyfully surrender to God's will, 3) Intentionally reflect through deep thought and community learning, 4) Embodied worship by honoring God with our physical bodies and actions, 5) Courageously connect by fostering deep, trusting relationships, and 6) Generously serve others with selflessness and humility. Questions for reflection and journaling are also suggested to deepen one's spiritual journey and discipleship practice.

00:00 Introduction to Discipleship

00:21 Understanding Discipleship

00:43 Guiding Principles Overview

01:00 Principle 1: Pursue Presence

01:55 Principle 2: Joyfully Surrender

02:26 Principle 3: Intentionally Reflect

03:13 Principle 4: Embodied Worship

04:28 Principle 5: Courageously Connect

05:36 Principle 6: Generously Serve

06:15 Inspirational Quotes

06:58 Reflective Questions

07:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

---

Links

Read the podcast at wisecraft.org

Henri Nouwen, Finding My Way Home​

Jon Tyson, A Creative Minority​

---

Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

Words of Wisdom 140: On False Empowerment

In this episode, Josh explores the concept of false empowerment and its potential pitfalls. Reflecting on experiences of pain, trauma, and rejection, he discusses how the ego can drive change in destructive ways. Josh emphasizes the dangers of weaponizing boundaries and living from a place of resentment, explaining the importance of surrendering to God for true, healthy transformation. He includes teachings from Jesus in Matthew 7 and insights from Richard Rohr to underline the value of humility, letting go, and unlearning. The episode concludes with reflective questions to guide prayers and journaling on ways to avoid false empowerment and genuinely depend on God.

00:00 Introduction to False Empowerment

00:11 The Dangers of False Empowerment

00:29 The Ego's Role in False Empowerment

00:52 Weaponizing Boundaries and Seeking Justice

01:16 The Consequences of False Empowerment

01:21 Spiritual Teachings on Surrender

01:52 Practical Steps to True Empowerment

02:31 Biblical Wisdom on Judgment

03:30 Reflections and Questions

04:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

---

Links

Richard Rohr, ​Breathing Underwater: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps​

---

Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

In this episode, Josh explores five reflections on love and breaking generational wounds. Key ideas include making the unseen visible by allowing others in, learning to connect through surrender, and the importance of receiving love to be able to give it. Josh emphasizes the complexities of love, which involves valuing, sacrificing, serving, and sometimes disagreeing. Quotes from Terry Real and Pia Melody highlight the importance of facing generational pathology and recognizing inherent worth in oneself and others. The episode concludes with reflective questions encouraging listeners to embrace God’s love, break generational cycles, and live wisely.

00:00 Introduction: Reflections on Love and Generational Wounds

00:09 Understanding Love: Letting Others In and Surrendering

00:23 The Essence of Love: Receiving and Giving

01:04 Marriage: A Path to Selflessness and Intimacy

01:26 Quotes on Generational Healing and Intimacy

02:43 Reflective Questions: Embracing Love and Breaking Cycles

03:20 Conclusion: Living Wisely with Love

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

---

Links

Pia Mellody, ​The Intimacy Factor​

---

Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

n this episode of Words of Wisdom, Josh emphasizes the profound impact of prioritizing time in God's presence, particularly by waking early to connect with Him. He argues that this practice can significantly enhance one's life by fostering inner peace and spiritual strength. Key points include the importance of presence before power, the focus on making God famous over personal fame, and the pursuit of worship over pleasure. The episode also features quotes from Saint Seraphim of Seraph and A. W. Tozer, and includes reflective questions to help integrate these practices into daily life.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Presence

00:05 Morning Routine: Wake Early

00:18 Prioritizing God's Presence

00:51 Pursue Presence Over Power

01:19 Becoming a Peacemaker

01:42 Inspirational Quotes

02:08 Reflective Questions

02:54 Conclusion: The Value of Presence

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

---

Links

---

Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

Breaking the Cycle: The Flywheel of Disconnection and the Power of Connection

In 'Words of Wisdom 137,' Josh explores the essential role of connection in human flourishing. He introduces the concept of the 'disconnection flywheel,' explaining how disconnection from God, oneself, and others perpetuates a cycle of isolation and sin. Josh outlines a pathway to breaking this cycle through awareness, self-honesty, and authentic engagement with others, eventually creating a 'flywheel of connection' that leads to restoration and growth. Featuring quotes from Mother Teresa and Diedrich Bonhoeffer, the episode concludes with reflective questions to guide personal journaling and prayer.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Connection

00:58 Understanding the Disconnection Flywheel

01:53 Breaking Free: The Path to Connection

02:53 Quotes on Connection and Isolation

03:34 Reflective Questions for Personal Growth

04:06 Final Thoughts: Embrace Connection

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

---

Links

Connection to God​

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, ​Life Together​

---

Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

Words of Wisdom 136: Paths to Becoming Truly Wise

In this episode, Josh emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom as the most valuable investment one can make. Wisdom, described as virtuous skill in living, helps ensure a fulfilling and secure life. Josh provides practical advice on how to cultivate wisdom, including stopping evil, embracing good, confessing daily, reading great books, living without secrets, praying continually, expanding one’s vision of God, practicing gratitude, seeking simplicity, and serving others. Inspired by quotes from Socrates and Dorothy Day, Josh challenges listeners to reflect on how the wisest person they know would approach life and to use specific questions as journal prompts and prayer guides. The episode concludes by urging listeners to commit to walking a path of wisdom and virtue.

00:00 Introduction to Wisdom

00:38 Steps to Grow in Wisdom

01:23 Inspirational Quotes

02:04 Reflective Questions

02:26 Conclusion and Commitment

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

---

Links

Socrates, as quoted in ​Plato's Apology​

Dorothy Day, ​Loaves and Fishes​

---

Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

Understanding Addiction Recovery: A Comprehensive Insight

In this episode of 'Words of Wisdom,' Josh explores the complex nature of addiction and its various dimensions, including psychological, physiological, narrative, and spiritual aspects. He differentiates between habits and addictions, emphasizing the profound impact of addiction on one's life and relationships. Josh also highlights the importance of seeking help, sharing insights from experts like Dr. Gabor Mate and Patrick Carnes. Reflecting on personal control over behaviors and understanding addiction can be the first steps toward recovery and a life of flourishing.

00:00 Introduction to Understanding Addiction

00:42 Exploring the Concept of Addiction

01:15 The Four Levels of Addiction

01:56 Habits vs. Addictions: A Deep Dive

02:42 The Devastating Impact of Addiction

03:26 Understanding the Purpose and Control of Addiction

05:00 Seeking Help and Recovery from Addiction

05:19 Expert Insights on Addiction

06:39 Reflective Questions and Conclusion

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

---

Links

Dr. Gabor Maté, renowned addiction expert and author of ​In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts​

Patrick J. Carnes, considered the grandfather of sex addiction treatment, ​Out of the Shadows​

---

Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast