Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day
163 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 33 ratingsFaith and spirituality sometimes leave us with more questions than answers. The Compass podcast shares stories about deconstructing faith, finding meaning, seeking justice, and deepening spiritual connection through contemplative practices and worship. Join fellow spiritual seekers Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn as they seek orientation to the Divine presence in the day-to-day through a Christian perspective. A production of United Methodist Communications.
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Episodes
United Methodists in the news and missing episodes
April 17, 2024 09:44 - 6 minutes - 5.86 MBThe United Methodist Church is going to be in the news due to the big General Conference Gathering. Here’s why. ALSO, we’re going to miss a couple of full episodes due to the big event. We’ll be back with new episodes on May 15, 2024.
[131] Keeping Christianity weird with Dr Richard Beck
April 03, 2024 09:40 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBJoin us as Dr. Richard Beck discusses mysticism in daily life, and how enchantment can transform our view in “Hunting Magic Eels.” Feeling world-weary? Richard discusses how moral beauty & acts of kindness can awaken awe. Explore the mystical in the mundane on the Compass Podcast! Richard is a Professor of Psychology at Abilene Christian […]
[130] Faith vacations and lostness with Debie Thomas
March 20, 2024 09:36 - 27 minutes - 17.1 MBAre you sometimes afraid to ask questions about faith and spirituality? Does doubt scare you a little bit? Do you have some questions you’re skeptical about ever finding the answers to? Debie Thomas’s approach to faith as a storied theology challenges the conventional beliefs. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on the dynamic nature of […]
[129] Beats, peacemaking and authenticity with lenny duncan
March 06, 2024 16:41 - 44 minutes - 33.7 MBLenny duncan takes us through a spiritual journey in hip-hop on Compass. Engage in conversations about systemic change and personal faith. If you want to hear some cultural commentary from a spiritual perspective, if you want to explore how hip-hop music speaks to both our human experience and our longing for spiritual connection, and if […]
[128] Lent, fasting and spiritual nourishment with Christine Valters Paintner
February 21, 2024 10:39 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBWe’re talking with Christine Valters Paintner about the spiritual significance of fasting and Lent. Christine, the founder of the Online Abbey of the Arts, shares her insights on how fasting can go beyond traditional ideas of abstaining from food and can instead be a way to open ourselves to a deeper encounter with the divine. […]
[127] Engaging faith and reason: Kara Slade’s spiritual journey
February 07, 2024 10:46 - 39 minutes - 32.7 MBFaith, science and life calling! In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Rev. Kara Slade, an engineer turned priest whose journey from the world of mechanical engineering to the pulpit is an interesting blend of spirituality and professional transformation. Rev. Canon Dr. Kara Slade holds a PhD in Christian theology and ethics […]
[126] Church Rethought: Embracing Unconventional Spaces for Community and Spirituality
January 24, 2024 10:31 - 46 minutes - 39.6 MBWe’re talking with Rev. Heather Jallad about the creative, fun and innovative ways that church is coming together and meeting the world. It’s an invitation to Rethink Church. This episode of Compass dives into new expressions of church like Dinner Church and Messy Church. It’s all inspiring… and it gets us thinking about how we, […]
[125] Cultivating everyday spirituality in 2024 with Abigail Browka
January 10, 2024 10:33 - 34 minutes - 29.8 MBIn this episode, we sit down with Abigail Browka, the curator of the Everyday Sanctuary app, and we get into the importance of real-life experiences and faith journeys. Pastor Abigail shares profound insights into tapping into creative spirituality, from the necessity of supporting one another in our spiritual paths to the role of brief, accessible […]
[124] Contemplative practices for a peaceful Christmas
December 13, 2023 10:35 - 7 minutes - 5.16 MBRyan Dunn addresses the struggle to find peace during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Offering contemplative practices for a more peaceful Christmas, Ryan explores ways to connect with God’s loving and peaceful spirit during this special time of year. From leveraging inconveniences as moments of reflection to turning preparations into prayers, listeners […]
[123] Nice church, not nice patriarchy: A conversation with Liz Cooledge Jenkins
November 29, 2023 10:35 - 26 minutes - 22.6 MBNiceness in church communities can sometimes conceal deeper issues of injustice. It’s important to disrupt the status quo and engage in conversations about patriarchy, inequality, and systems of oppression. In this episode, you probably want to listen for the ways in niceness, though well-meaning, can be a hindrance to equality and justice. Also listen for […]
Quick takes on tough questions of the Christian faith
November 15, 2023 10:50 - 24 minutes - 18.7 MBWe’ll explore questions like: Does God need our worship? Are some sins worse than others? How does spirituality affect mental health? Can science and religion coexist? Where do we see evidence of God? And why would a good God allow for evil? We’ll provide perspectives and insights on these questions, emphasizing that our answers are […]
[121] Israel, conflict, end times and interventions of peace
November 01, 2023 09:30 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBThe Compass Podcast looks into a topic that has been making headlines and stirring heated debates: the Israel and Gaza conflict. Specifically, we will address a perplexing phenomenon: the religiously driven blind support of Israeli militarism by some Christians. What theological perspectives drive such a fascination with this conflict and where did those ideas come […]
[120] Discovering evidence of the Divine in everyday moments with Mark Feldmeir
October 18, 2023 21:15 - 33 minutes - 20.3 MBJoin us as we explore the intersection of faith, culture, and personal experiences with Rev. Mark Feldmeir. Mark’s faith journey led him to question the nature of God’s power, especially in the face of suffering and evil. He emphasized that God’s power is not coercive or unilateral, but rather persuasive. Mark also reflected on the […]
[119] What makes United Methodists different?
October 04, 2023 17:29 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBHosts Ryan Dunn and Michelle Maldonado, alongside guest Ashley Boggan, take us on a journey to uncover the distinctiveness of the Methodist faith. Initially produced as part of the United Methodist Podcast-a-thon, this episode offers insightful perspectives from Dr. Ashley Boggan, the general secretary of the United Methodist Church’s General Commission on Archives and History. […]
[118] Artificial intelligence and your spiritual journey
September 20, 2023 09:05 - 48 minutes - 40.5 MBAre you ready to explore the intersections of artificial intelligence and spirituality? Join us on the latest episode of Compass as we dive into the impact of AI on the Christian spiritual journey. We navigate the potential benefits and pitfalls of integrating AI into our everyday spirituality, play around with AI Jesus entities, and hear […]
[117] Does the Bible contradict itself? With Josh Scott
September 06, 2023 09:11 - 38 minutes - 25.2 MBRev. Josh Scott, author of “Bible Stories for Grown Ups” explores with us the paradoxical possibilities of the Bible’s ancient narratives. We dive deep into the serious question of faith: “What do we make of the seeming contradictions and inconsistencies in the Bible?” Josh helps us see how asking these tough, discomforting questions can become […]
116: The Force and the Final Frontier
August 23, 2023 09:27 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBIt’s time for cosmic theology as we examine the spiritual depths of Star Wars and Star Trek. Covering everything from Jedi to Klingons, Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn are going boldly forth seeking the spiritual in space. Join us as we explore the theological reflections found in these iconic franchises. For episodes and notes, visit […]
Re-listen: Rediscovering church with Jerry Herships
August 09, 2023 09:55 - 44 minutes - 33.6 MBReverend Jerry Herships shares his unique perspective on creating a nontraditional community that connects with something bigger and provides a sense of belonging. Jerry has worked as stand-up comedian. He wrote for Jay Leno. He’s authored a couple books, including Last Call: from serving drinks to serving Jesus and Rogue Saints: Spirituality for Good Hearted […]
114: [Re-listen] Wagon of grace with Ryan Canaday
July 26, 2023 09:33 - 38 minutes - 34.7 MBRev. Canaday shared with us his story of recovery in alcoholism and finding deep connection with a higher power. This connection led Ryan to explore the power of support groups and specifically the role of spirituality in recovery. All this ultimately led to Ryan founding a church based on recovery. We’re five years on from […]
113: Art and your spiritual journey
July 12, 2023 13:38 - 31 minutes - 20.5 MBArt and prayer share much in common–so much so that art can lead us into prayer and connection with the Divine. In this episode of Compass, Michelle and Ryan try out two art-based spiritual practices… and they provide directions on how you can utilize these practices as well. To see “The Annunciation” by Henry Ossawa […]
112: Disrupt Your Busy Life and Cultivate a Heart of Loving Kindness with this Meditation
June 28, 2023 09:54 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBHave you ever felt overwhelmed by the busyness of life? In the latest episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday, Ryan Dunn invites listeners to disrupt their busyness through loving-kindness meditation. The episode features a discussion on the benefits of loving-kindness meditation on mental well-being and relationships. Here are three key takeaways from the […]
111: Why People Are Leaving Church: 7 Reasons Explored
June 14, 2023 09:44 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBOn this episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday, host Ryan Dunn, a former youth minister, explores the factors that contribute to people leaving the church. Ryan starts by sharing how a student’s experience made him question the effectiveness of ministry for young people. The episode covers seven reasons for people leaving the church, […]
Spirit-filled: May 2023 Rethink Church audiomagazine
June 08, 2023 21:09 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBThrough May, our articles focused on the work of the Holy Spirit… which we’ll see can show up in some surprising places. In this edition of the audiomagazine, we’ll hear: (00:00) Introduction to the Rethink Church audiomagazine (00:43) “The amazing ways God is working right now” (06:02) “How to live a Spirit-filled life” (11:06) “Why […]
110: Linking love and justice with Otis Moss III
June 02, 2023 17:32 - 30 minutes - 17.3 MBRev. Dr. Otis Moss III reflects on his upbringing with parents involved in the civil rights movement and his journey towards identifying with the black prophetic and spiritual tradition within the black church. He also dives into everyday disruptions by stressing the importance of intentional, slow connections with God through activities like walks and bike […]
109: From heroes to villains: The role of iconoclasm with Diana Butler Bass
May 17, 2023 09:39 - 52 minutes - 27.4 MBWe delve into the topic of iconoclasm and the conflict it causes in communities as they grapple with troubling figures from their spiritual history. From Confederate statues in Richmond to famous theologians who have committed atrocities, we explore how we evaluate historical figures through multiple lenses and the importance of deep discernment in Christian leadership. […]
108: John Blake explores the world-changing power of relationships
May 03, 2023 10:47 - 36 minutes - 23.7 MBWe’re talking diversity, inclusion, integration, hope, the church and divine intervention with John Blake. John has some interesting stories to tell about family and relationships… including his relationship with the church. John Blake is an award-winning journalist for CNN.com. His 2020 essay, “There’s One Epidemic We May Never Find a Cure For: Fear of Black […]
Faith in Action: Examining the Moral Monday Protest in Nashville
May 02, 2023 14:39 - 55 minutes - 48.1 MBSpecial release. On the morning of March 27, 2023, a gunman entered Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, and shot 6 people to death. This event was a catalyst in Nashville, leading to protests, political intrigue and division, and the organization of a wide base of religious leaders. In this episode of Compass, Michelle Maldonado and […]
Faithfulness: April 2023 Rethink Church audiomagazine
April 26, 2023 22:27 - 22 minutes - 21.4 MBThe April 2023 edition of the Rethink Church audiomagazine presented on the Compass podcast. In this edition, we present the latest stories and one classic read from the Rethink Church website. Throughout April 2023, our content focused on faithfulness. We’ll hear: “The growing pains of faithfulness” by Madison Myers https://www.umc.org/en/content/the-growing-pains-of-faithfulness “What happens when we make […]
107: When restlessness is a gift
April 19, 2023 10:05 - 40 minutes - 39.6 MBRestlessness is not comfortable. We’d rather not spend too much time dwelling on thoughts of missing out… or of doubt… or spend too much time dwelling on mundanity of life. That’s not a comfortable place to be. So when someone like Casey Tygrett comes along suggesting that restlessness is a gift because it opens us […]
106: Climate change and taking spiritual action in response
April 05, 2023 09:50 - 37 minutes - 26.6 MBRev. Richenda Fairhurst shares about the relationship between our faith, spirituality and concern for our environment. This concern compels us to respond to climate change. Rev. Richenda shares several action steps for combating climate change–both personal actions and community action. Richenda Fairhust was trained by the Climate Reality Project and Center for Earth Ethics Ministers’ […]
Resilience: Rethink Church March 2023 audiomagazine
March 29, 2023 21:48 - 19 minutes - 18.5 MBIn this edition, we present the latest stories and one classic read from the Rethink Church website. Throughout March 2023, our content focused on Lent and the resilience it inspires. We’ll hear: “What is Palm Sunday?” by Ryan Dunn https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-palm-sunday “Lent, fasting and revelation” by Joseph Yoo https://www.umc.org/en/content/lent-fasting-hunger-and-revelation “Resilient women in the Bible” by Madison […]
105: Jubilee, apocalypse and the politics of Jesus
March 22, 2023 09:44 - 38 minutes - 24.4 MBChristian Collins Winn joins the Compass Podcast to share how disruptive the teachings of Jesus really are–especially in regards to our social and political systems. Christian makes the claim that, though we don’t often talk about “Jubilee” and “apocalypse”, faith is all about what those terms represent and disrupting broken systems through actions like the […]
104: Who is a saint and why do they matter? With Joseph Yoo
March 08, 2023 11:02 - 31 minutes - 20.7 MBJoseph Yoo uses the power of stories — both ancient and contemporary — to remind us how we are often unexpectedly intertwined with one another and with God. Rev. Joseph Yoo. Joseph is the planter of Mosaic Episcopal Church located in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. And he has just released a book called “When […]
Deeply Rooted: February 2023 Rethink Church Audiomagazine
March 01, 2023 17:11 - 22 minutes - 21.6 MBThis is the February 2023 edition of the Rethink Church audiomagazine presented on the Compass podcast. In this edition, we present the latest stories and one classic read from the Rethink Church website. Throughout February 2023, our content focused on being deeply rooted. We’ll hear: (00:00) Introduction (00:50) “The Last of Us: Hive Mind vs […]
103: Let’s get into Lent
February 22, 2023 10:50 - 30 minutes - 20.4 MBWhat is the season of Lent, where did it come from and why is it important? Do you know the most popular things to give up during Lent? You might be surprised by how some people practice this special season. Compass co-hosts Ryan and Michelle share their Lenten experiences and some ideas about how we […]
102: Blessing our messy everyday lives with Jessica Richie
February 08, 2023 11:06 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBJessica Richie shares the story and practices behind “The Lives We Actually Have”, written with Kate Bowler. “The Lives We Actually Have” (Releasing February 14, 2023) is a collection of blessings for the struggles of our shared humanity, from the New York Times bestselling authors of “Good Enough”. A blessing for a painful day? A […]
Jesus and questions about the UMC: Rethink Church audiomagazine January 2023
February 02, 2023 20:37 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBThis is the January 2023 edition of the Rethink Church audiomagazine presented on the Compass podcast. In this edition, we present the latest stories from the Rethink Church website. Throughout January 2023, our content focused on Jesus and also questions about the United Methodist Church. We’ll hear: (00:00) Introduction (00:44) “Anxiety and one of Jesus’ […]
101: Rewire your brain for powerful spiritual connections with Caroline Oakes
January 25, 2023 10:55 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBCaroline Oakes shares how contemplative prayer and meditation rewire our thinking and open us up for Divine connection. In this episode, you’ll hear how Jesus practiced “the pause”–or took time away for centering and contemplation. You’ll also hear some of the ways that our own contemplative practices can change our thought processes and awaken a […]
Rewire your brain for powerful spiritual connections
January 25, 2023 10:55 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBCaroline Oakes shares how contemplative prayer and meditation rewire our thinking and open us up for Divine connection. In this episode, you’ll hear how Jesus practiced “the pause”–or took time away for centering and contemplation. You’ll also hear some of the ways that our own contemplative practices can change our thought processes and awaken a […]
10 recommended shows to stream right now for theological reflection
January 11, 2023 10:50 - 37 minutes - 25.3 MBWhat are the best streaming shows right now for connecting faith and life through theological reflection? Compass shares their recommendations. It’s a big episode! It’s episode 100 for the Compass podcast! And we’re introducing a new member to the Compass team. In order to get to know our team, we’re recommending several shows and movies […]
100: 10 recommended shows to stream right now for theological reflection
January 11, 2023 10:50 - 37 minutes - 25.3 MBWhat are the best streaming shows right now for connecting faith and life through theological reflection? Compass shares their recommendations. It’s a big episode! It’s episode 100 for the Compass podcast! And we’re introducing a new member to the Compass team. In order to get to know our team, we’re recommending several shows and movies […]
Disrupting 10 Christmas myths
December 21, 2022 10:20 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBHappy Advent! Let’s prepare for the UPCOMING Christmas season by looking at the history and practices of the holiday. Why is the date of Jesus’ birth celebrated on December 25? Why do we sometimes call Santa Claus “Saint Nicholas”? Was the Grinch based on a real person? We’re doing a short but deep dive into […]
99: Disrupting 10 Christmas myths
December 21, 2022 10:20 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBHappy Advent! Let’s prepare for the UPCOMING Christmas season by looking at the history and practices of the holiday. Why is the date of Jesus’ birth celebrated on December 25? Why do we sometimes call Santa Claus “Saint Nicholas”? Was the Grinch based on a real person? We’re doing a short but deep dive into […]
[98] Pastors of TikTok
December 07, 2022 10:57 - 45 minutes - 36 MBDivine disruptions are happening on TikTok every day. Kelley Finch, Joseph Yoo and Sarah Tevis-Townes tell their stories of coming to TikTok and finding some beautiful relationships and community. Find Pastor Kelley at @pastorkelley Find Rev. Joseph at @joseph.yoo And Pastor Sarah at @disorganized.religion
98: Pastors of TikTok
December 07, 2022 10:57 - 45 minutes - 36 MBDivine disruptions are happening on TikTok every day. Kelley Finch, Joseph Yoo and Sarah Tevis-Townes tell their stories of coming to TikTok and finding some beautiful relationships and community. Find Pastor Kelley at @pastorkelley Find Rev. Joseph at @joseph.yoo And Pastor Sarah at @disorganized.religion
The pastors of TikTok
December 07, 2022 10:57 - 45 minutes - 36 MBDivine disruptions are happening on TikTok every day. Kelley Finch, Joseph Yoo and Sarah Tevis-Townes tell their stories of coming to TikTok and finding some beautiful relationships and community. Find Pastor Kelley at @pastorkelley Find Rev. Joseph at @joseph.yoo And Pastor Sarah at @disorganized.religion
Diversity: Rethink Church audiomagazine November 2022
November 30, 2022 21:07 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBThroughout November of 2022, our content focused on diversity and the season of Advent. We’ll hear: “The broken family of Black Panther” by Nathan Webb https://www.umc.org/en/content/the-broken-family-of-black-panther-wakanda-forever “Why diversity in the church matters” by Madison Myers https://www.umc.org/en/content/why-diversity-in-the-church-matters “Have we embraced diversity or tokenism?” by Joseph Yoo https://www.umc.org/en/content/have-we-embraced-diversity-or-tokenism and “What is...
97: Why Thanksgiving should give way to lament and healing with Mark Charles
November 16, 2022 11:10 - 49 minutes - 38.1 MBGratitude is good. But Thanksgiving is an issue. We could consider a space for lament and healing. Mark Charles, co-author of Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, shares a history of the Thanksgiving holiday and how we can instead make room for lament that offers healing.
Why Thanksgiving should give way to lament and healing
November 16, 2022 11:10 - 49 minutes - 38.1 MBGratitude is good. But Thanksgiving is an issue. We could consider a space for lament and healing. Mark Charles, co-author of Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, shares a history of the Thanksgiving holiday and how we can instead make room for lament that offers healing.
96: Using your imagination in prayer
November 09, 2022 10:35 - 8 minutes - 8.51 MBLearn how to utilize the contemplative practice of imaginative prayer. This episode of Compass is an abbreviated one, as we’re working on what’s turning into a kind of double episode for next week. But in the meantime, we share another practice that leads into a deep sense of connection and helps broaden personal perspective beyond […]