Potter's Inn Soul Care Conversations

Blessing for the Brokenhearted

I Think I Need 100 Days Like This

This cool breeze by the river bank. A great blue heron feeding in the shallows. The pilated woodpecker serenading the forest with its haunting song. I think I need one hundred days like this!   Slowly, ever so slowly. Here. Now. This! Bit by bit and little by little, I feel a twinge of what may be life. A steady erosion has happened in me. It’s taken time to do this damage. It will take more time to regain what’s been lost.     The locust have ravaged much I feel now. ...

The River of no Agenda

Allison's Story

Discernment: Finding Our Way, Part 2

Discernment is the process of gaining clarity on finding direction for the next step of our journey.   SHOW NOTES Today’s podcast is part two of a discussion between Steve and Spiritual Director Martie McMane. Martie is a retired minister, artist, and spiritual director who used a collage process with Steve & Gwen to help them make some crucial life decisions during a period of repositioning. They continue the conversation today about how the collage process can work in each of our own...

Ep 146: Discernment: Finding our Way, Part 1

Discernment is the process of gaining clarity on finding direction for the next step of our journey.   SHOW NOTES Last year Steve and Gwen went through a period of repositioning: changes were on the horizon but any clarity about what to do next was clouded by the realization that they were not on the same page. They reached out to a trusted Spiritual Director for help and the result was what they called a “Discernment Retreat.”  They needed clarity. They needed discernment. Today’s p...

Ep 145: Walter Brueggemann's Prophetic Imagination

I am simply humbled at this stage in my career, to have the privilege to tell Walter’s story and to help amplify his amazingly relevant voice. Getting to know Walter has been a healing and restorative experience for me as a former pastor and a professor deeply committed to social justice when so much of the church and society has forgotten what the biblical text says about God’s care for the marginalized. — Conrad L. Kanagy   SHOW NOTES Steve’s chats with Conrad Kanagy, the author of...

'Kindavangelical' With Guest Pete Briscoe

I came to the conclusion that I could not stay in that role and be healthy. So I chose to be a healthy person over a megachurch pastor, and it was an incredibly hard choice. — Pete Briscoe   SHOW NOTES In today’s conversation, Steve talks with Pete Briscoe about why Pete no longer calls himself an “evangelical.” You’ll hear Pete’s story, filled with pain and struggles, as he discovers more beautiful ways to live the Christian life. While you may not agree with his path, we think th...

Scripture & the Spiritual Journey

I have learned to prize holy ignorance more highly than religious certainty and to seek companions who have arrived at the same place. We are a motley crew, distinguished not only by our inability to explain ourselves to those who are more certain of their beliefs than we are but in many cases by our distance from the centers of our faith communities as well. Like campers who have bonded over cook fires far from home, we remain grateful for the provisions that we have brought with us from th...

Steve's List For Summer 2023: Ep 12 - Cultivating Daily Shalom: Using The Daily Examen

Note From Steve: We are living in a day and age of distractions. We are bombarded with choices, options and desires. This podcast lays out the way to to cultivate peace and contentment. It's about practicing the daily Examen. This is an ancient practice developed by Ignatius of Loyola. He said this ONE spiritual practice would change your life for the good. It's true. My life has thoroughly changed by learning to incorporate this one spiritual practice. It's my final recommendation for the s...

Steve's List For Summer 2023: Episode 113 - Finding Jesus’ Ways To Have Jesus’ Life

Note From Steve: This conversation for me was like having a trusted friend do the deep excavation of my heart. There is nothing like a good question to allow one to feel safe and begin to open up. Steve Macchia and I had a lovely conversation which I commend to you this summer. There's a lot in this wide ranging conversation. I hope you'll enjoy!   SHOW NOTES I (Steve) recently sat down with Steve Macchia of Leadership Transformations to have an honest conversation and assess where we ...

Steve's List For Summer 2023 - Ep 2: What is Soul Care?

NOTE FROM STEVE: I love this particular podcast because it is foundational to understanding the care of the soul. In this podcast, I explain what the soul is and how we can participate in the caring for our soul.   As I’ve said , this message is needed because the message of soul care gets lost in our busyness and all the issues of life hitting us day by day!  I hope you’ll listen and pass this along to a few friends you think could really benefit by listening to it!  Summer blessings! ...

Steve's List For Summer 2023: Episode 5 - Three Core Questions Of Every Soul

FROM STEVE: Until we answer life’s deepest questions, we will remain stuck— unable to live with freedom and vitality. This podcast is one where Gwen and I explore three core questions.  Remember this: we can never hear this message too much because living with soul and by soul is counter cultural and for many, counter intuitive!   SHOW NOTES In this episode we join Steve and Gwen for two sessions of their Soul Care 101 course recorded at the retreat center known as Potter’s Inn at Aspe...

Steve's List For Summer 2023: The Welcoming Prayer

This is a way of praying that just helps! And help is what most of us seem to need these days. How do we find words to form in prayer when we are knotted up inside; when we are speechless? The Welcome Prayer is a prayer of letting go and holding palms up in sweet surrender. I use this prayer often and this podcast is about learning to mouth the words and find meaning each time we pray it! Enjoy!   MENTIONED IN PODCAST The Welcome Prayer by Father Thomas Keating Matthew 6:5-13 (The Mess...

Steve's List For Summer 2023: Nature And The Care Of The Soul With Belden Lane, Part 2

FROM STEVE: I consider Belden Lane to Be among the most important voices in the 21st century. For the next two weeks listen deeply to his wisdom and insight. I relish in his books and find him to be among the most authentic voices I've ever heard! SPECIAL GUEST BELDEN C. LANE Belden and his dog Joey Belden C. Lane is a Presbyterian theologian who teaches on a Jesuit faculty at Saint Louis University. His interests include the relationship between geography and faith, wilderness backpacki...

Steve's List For Summer 2023: Nature and the Care of the Soul, Part 1

FROM STEVE: I consider Belden Lane to Be among the most important voices in the 21st century. For the next two weeks listen deeply to his wisdom and insight. I relish in his books and find him to be among the most authentic voices I've ever heard! SPECIAL GUEST BELDEN C. LANE Belden and his dog Joey Belden C. Lane is a Presbyterian theologian who teaches on a Jesuit faculty at Saint Louis University. His interests include the relationship between geography and faith, wilderness backpackin...

Steve's List For Summer 2023: Seeking God With Trevor Hudson, Part 1 & 2

NOTE FROM STEVE: We all need spiritual diodes to help us find the way. I consider Trevor to be a Spiritual Master. In todays world, I am suspicious of people who are not credible-- who are too young, too inexperienced and too unbroken. The voices I trust and listen to are seasoned women and men who know the landscape of the inner journey. Trevor Hudson is one voice I trust and respect. His two podcasts are stellar and should be listened to many times. Repetition is the mother of all learn...

Steve's List For Summer 2023: Episode 118 - Wearing The Yoke

Steve's Podcast List for Summer 2023 If there is one podcast that defines my life message and legacy, surely it is this one. This has the key to unlock all the years of trying and performance to get it right. I explore why reading the “red letters of Jesus “ is so important and some thoughts to inspire us upward and onward! Could you PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW AND THEN SHARE THIS WITH FIVE OF YOUR FRIENDS WHO NEED IT? We would appreciate it!   MENTIONED IN PODCAST SOLO: Creating Space wi...

Ep 142 - Letting Go

The trapeze artist free falls into the hands of trust and love. Jesus let go, while on the cross and surrendered his life into good hands of his Father. — Henri Nouwen SHOW NOTES It’s hard work to let go. Ask Moses, Peter, Paul, Mary the mother of Jesus, or really—any character in the Scriptures. Like it or not, letting go is one of the big scholastic courses you sign up for in being born. Today we explore Letting Go—it all comes together in our May Issue of our new resource, the Soul...

The Language of the Soul with Jeff Crosby

We carry these desires, our deepest longings, with us. It’s part of what it means to be human, and they are drivers in our lives whether or not we acknowledge them. — Jeff Crosby SHOW NOTES Today’s guest is Jeff Crosby, the author of the new book (releases May 23, 2023) Language of the Soul. For over fifteen years, Jeff has been searching for a language of the soul--a way to articulate our deepest longings. Through the years he gathered clues from within global music styles, from differ...

Soul Care in a Warming World

Be responsible, serve, and protect. — Kyle Meyaard-Schaap SHOW NOTES Have you ever looked at the effects of climate change and the apathy of so many around you and wondered, "What are we missing here?" Today’s guest Kyle Meyaard-Schaap understands this feeling from personal experience. He is the author of the recently released book, Following Jesus in a Warming World, a field guide for Christian climate action. Steve and Kyle discuss the book and how climate change should not be groun...

Ep 139: A Sense of Home

“There is no house like the house of belonging.”  — David Whyte SHOW NOTES Every soul needs to belong. We look for our sense of belonging in our families, tribes, nations, and friendships Today we explore the place of our home—that place where you actually live and the role and influences that this place has on our spiritual lives. ​It all comes together in our new resource, the Soul Care Ezine. Steve shares why we decided to create the Ezine, what will be included in each issue, an...

Ep 138-Poetry: The Language of the Soul, Part 2

We are continuing the conversation today with Steve and Roger Housden. It was Roger who opened the portal for Steve to get and understand poetry. Roger is a prolific writer, poet, speaker and teacher and speaks with a grace and appreciation of self-discovery and exploration . Thank you for joining us today! Our Special Guest - Roger Housden Roger Housden is an author and has been featured many times in The Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times. His first book was ...

Episode 137 - Poetry: The Language of the Soul

Todays podcast has very special meaning for Steve as he had the opportunity to speak with Roger Housden. It was Roger who opened the portal for Steve to get and understand poetry. He’s a prolific writer and poet and the podcast became a soul enriching experience. We pray you are enriched as well!   OUR SPECIAL GUEST - ROGER HOUSDEN Roger Housden is an author and has been featured many times in The Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times. His first book was publish...

12 Foundations To Care For Your Soul, Part 2

We are continuing the conversation with Steve in Part 2 of 12 Foundations to Care for your Soul. STEVE: These days, I find myself bothered by multiple voices all trying to be heard. I’m realizing that the only voices I want to, need to and trust these days are the ones who have credibility. They must have lived life; revealed a brokenness in their souls and walk with a limp to have credibility. I need to just pass on the many social influencers and newbies yelling through their posts to be...

12 Foundations to Care for your Soul

Today’s podcast is with Steve, in a message that he felt could contribute to a deeper understanding of soul care. These days, I find myself bothered by multiple voices all trying to be heard. I’m realizing that the only voices I want to, need to and trust these days are the ones who have credibility. They must have lived life; revealed a brokenness in their souls and walk with a limp to have credibility. I need to just pass on the many social influencers and newbies yelling through their p...

Ep 134 - A Year of Slowing Down

Many of us seemed hard wired to do, do, and do more. Changing this requires a long, slow rewiring of our minds at the cellular level. It is not acquired by reading quotes, attending conferences or transferring an addiction of accomplishing more and more to the spiritual life. Steve talks with author Alan Fadling about his beautiful book, A Year of Slowing Down: Daily Devotions for Unhurried Living A year of slowing. I like it and you will also! TODAY’S GUEST - ALAN FADLING Alan is ...

Beauty as Oxygen, Part 2

Today we are continuing the conversation with special guest Wesley Vander Lugt and Steve, as they continue to discuss beauty as oxygen and Kinshop Plot, a mission that is all about the deep belonging, resonant relationships, and entangled identities that bring us fully alive. Thanks for joining us in today’s conversation! TODAY’S GUEST - WESLEY VANDER LUGT Wes is a pastor, theologian, writer, educator, nonprofit leader, and arts advocate with a passion for beauty, slowness, cultivation...

Beauty as Oxygen

Oxygen is essential to our survival. Did you ever think that Beauty might also be essential to our survival? Special guest Wesley Vander Lugt and Steve dig deep into how Beauty is not just about decoration in our lives or as an illustration of truth, but something deep in us that longs to not only enjoy beauty, but to be drawn into it and participate in it. Thanks for joining us in today’s conversation. TODAY’S GUEST - WESLEY VANDER LUGT Wes is a pastor, theologian, writer, educator, n...

40 Days, 40 Miles, 40 Questions

We are approaching a new season. The days will get longer now. The darkness will be more and more dispelled. The days of Lent are near. Easter is coming, but not yet. Lent is a time for self-examination and reflection - it is the 40 days leading up to Easter. In these 40 days, we are invited to look deeper and to look within. It's a time of humbling ourselves and recognizing what is most dead in us -- and with that, what needs to come alive in us! And that is why Potter’s Inn and Steve h...

Healthy Community: The Benefits of Friendship

Aspen trees are a beautiful sight in the Western US. But did you know you will never find an aspen tree growing alone in a natural setting? Aspen trees grow in community. Their roots are intertwined under the ground, making a grove of trees into one big tree. The story of Lazarus echoes the spiritual lesson of the aspen grove: we cannot grow alone. We were never meant to remain alone as we emerge from the tomb. As we learn from Lazarus, we see that our roots intertwine with others. Jesus ...

The Way of Companionship

How do we live with difficult people and how do we live when we’ve been hurt in a relationship? Today Joe Chambers is reading from Steve’s book “The Jesus Life” and it unpacks those very subjects. It’s Steve at his most raw, honest, and vulnerable. Thank you for joining us for this challenging discussion! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN PODCAST The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity by Stephen W. Smith John 2:24 NIV Mark 3:13 NIV Ps. 8:3-4 MSG Eph. 1:4 MSG John 15:15 MS...

Soul Companions

Today Joe Chambers joins us in reading from Steve’s Book “Soul Custody.” It’s a discussion about Soul Companions and how the four quadrants of the human heart offer us a picture of the four levels to friendship. Being made in the image of God--the Trinity--we are most fully ourselves when we live life together. Thank you for joining us in today's discussion!   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN PODCAST Soul Custody: Choosing to Care for the One and Only You by Stephen W. Smith Proverbs 27:19 TL...

Friendships: Experiencing Others on the Journey

SHOW NOTES Welcome to Season 9 of the Soul Care Conversations Podcast! We are beginning Season 9 with a 3-part series on Friendship, and today will be a reading from a book that Steve contributed to, The Transformation of a Man’s Heart. The Chapter is written by David G. Benner and is titled “Friendships: Experiencing Others on the Journey.” This chapter has such depth and wisdom on the importance of friendship in our lives. Take some time as you listen - take notes, contemplate the fr...

Courage for Caregivers with Marjorie Thompson

SUPPORT THE PODCAST It takes a lot to create our podcast episodes! Please consider a gift to support this vital ministry. We have a few ways to make it easy for you: Use our Donation Page on our Website Donate using our new App Send by mail (Potter’s Inn, PO Box 35, Divide, Colorado 80814 - make sure you make note that your gift is for the podcast) ________________________________________________________ SHOW NOTES On our final podcast for this season, Steve has a remarkable and ...

Does God Really Care?

SHOW NOTES How many times have you thought you were completely alone in this stress-filled world - financial issues, family conflicts, marital struggles, depression… the list is long and exhausting. The big question is, does God care about all that? Does he care that your kids are misbehaving and making you lose your mind? That at night you can’t get your mind to shut off and goes further into depression and anxiety? That you and your spouse can barely talk to each other? The answer is...

Beauty and the Soul with Tom Morris, Part 2

SUPPORT THE PODCAST It takes a lot to create our podcast episodes! Please consider a gift to support this vital ministry. We have a few ways to make it easy for you: Use our Donation Page on our Website Donate using our new App Send by mail (Potter’s Inn, PO Box 35, Divide, Colorado 80814 - make sure you make note that your gift is for the podcast)   SHOW NOTES “Beauty. Some forms of beauty calm us, others excite us, but all tend to grab our attention and intrigue us enough to ha...

Beauty and the Soul with Tom Morris, Part 1

SUPPORT THE PODCAST It takes a lot to create our podcast episodes! Please consider a gift to support this vital ministry. We have a few ways to make it easy for you: Use our Donation Page on our Website Donate using our new App Send by mail (Potter’s Inn, PO Box 35, Divide, Colorado 80814 - make sure you make note that your gift is for the podcast) ________________________________________________________ SHOW NOTES “Beauty. Some forms of beauty calm us, others excite us, but all ...

Seeking God with Trevor Hudson, Part 2

SUPPORT THE PODCAST It takes a lot to create our podcast episodes! Please consider a gift to support this vital ministry. We have a few ways to make it easy for you: Use our Donation Page on our Website Donate using our new App Send by mail (Potter’s Inn, PO Box 35, Divide, Colorado 80814 - make sure you make note that your gift is for the podcast)   SHOW NOTES Jesus promised, “Seek and you will find!” Today we are continuing the conversation with Trevor Hudson on Seeking God. ...

Seeking God with Trevor Hudson, Part 1

SUPPORT THE PODCAST It takes a lot to create our podcast episodes! Please consider a gift to support this vital ministry. We have a few ways to make it easy for you: Use our Donation Page on our Website Donate using our new App Send by mail (Potter’s Inn, PO Box 35, Divide, Colorado 80814 - make sure you make note that your gift is for the podcast)   SHOW NOTES Jesus promised, “Seek and you will find!” We are all seeking, but how do we move beyond insight to truly encounter th...

Seeking God with Trevor Hudson

SUPPORT THE PODCAST It takes a lot to create our podcast episodes! Please consider a gift to support this vital ministry. We have a few ways to make it easy for you: Use our Donation Page on our Website Donate using our new App Send by mail (Potter’s Inn, PO Box 35, Divide, Colorado 80814 - make sure you make note that your gift is for the podcast)   SHOW NOTES Jesus promised, “Seek and you will find!” We are all seeking, but how do we move beyond insight to truly encounter th...

Sabbath & Sabbatical with Ruth Haley Barton

SUPPORT THE PODCAST It takes a lot to create our podcast episodes! Please consider a gift to support this vital ministry. We have a few ways to make it easy for you: Use our Donation Page on our Website Donate using our new App Send by mail (Potter’s Inn, PO Box 35, Divide, Colorado 80814 - make sure you make note that your gift is for the podcast)   SHOW NOTES What if rest has already been created and all we have to do is find ways to participate? Listen in to Steve and Ruth as...

REVISED: Episode 120: Beyond the Enneagram

***NOTE: We had some technical issues with the previously released audio file this morning - this release is the corrected file. Thank you for your patience!*** When it comes to understanding the Enneagram, it's time to consider a shift and deepening of how this tool can enhance our spiritual journey. There's been such a 'fad phase' in the past decade about the Enneagram that it has left many of us wondering... what is the real point of knowing ourselves better? Marilyn Vancil and Steve ...

Ep 119: Simple Faith: Simple Life

SUPPORT THE PODCAST It takes a lot to create our podcast episodes! Please consider a gift to support this vital ministry. We have a few ways to make it easy for you: Use our Donation Page on our Website Donate using our new App Send by mail (Potter’s Inn, PO Box 35, Divide, Colorado 80814 - make sure you make note that your gift is for the podcast) ________________________________________________________ SHOW NOTES How can we reclaim a faith that is simple— free from religious pa...

Episode 118 - Wearing the Yoke

SUPPORT THE PODCAST It takes a lot to create our podcast episodes! Please consider a gift to support this vital ministry. We have a few ways to make it easy for you: Use our Donation Page on our Website Donate using our new App Send by mail (Potter’s Inn, PO Box 35, Divide, Colorado 80814 - make sure you make note that your gift is for the podcast) ________________________________________________________ SHOW NOTES Welcome to Season 8 of the Soul Care Conversations podcast! Tod...

SUMMER 2022 Replays - Episode 34: Does God Really Care?

The Soul Care Conversation is a much beloved resource across the world.  But to continue this work depends upon your support. This link takes you to a list of some of our on-going expenses and how you, your small group, church, or organization could take a “bite-size “ chunk out of our monthly costs. Take a look and help us, would you? SUPPORT THE PODCAST _________________________________________________________________ This is the last episode of our Summer 2022 Replays. We will be b...

SUMMER 2022 Replays: Episode 48 - The Hidden Life

The Soul Care Conversation is a much beloved resource across the world.  But to continue this work depends upon your support. This link takes you to a list of some of our on-going expenses and how you, your small group, church, or organization could take a “bite-size “ chunk out of our monthly costs. Take a look and help us, would you?  SUPPORT THE PODCAST  SHOW NOTES “Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, just as Christ was.” Colossians 3:4 (MSG) Isolation - something most of us are...

SUMMER 2022 Replays: Ep. 5 - Three Core Questions of Every Soul

The Soul Care Conversation is a much beloved resource across the world.  But to continue this work depends upon your support. This link takes you to a list of some of our on-going expenses and how you, your small group, church, or organization could take a “bite-size “ chunk out of our monthly costs. Take a look and help us, would you? DONATE TO PODCAST   Show Notes In this episode we join Steve and Gwen for two sessions of their Soul Care 101 course recorded at the retreat center ...

SUMMER 2022 Replays: Ep 2 - What is Soul Care?

Celebrate with us as we hit a BIG milestone for the podcast! Thank you all for your continued support and prayers - we are blessed! SPECIAL REQUEST: For us to continue our work on the podcast, we are asking you to help us with a one time gift, or even better a monthly donation, to help us. There are monthly obligations for all the work, all the technology, the podcast hosting, etc. Whatever you can give will be such a help - it will be a great blessing! >>DONATE HERE<<   SHOW NOTES ...

SUMMER 2022 Replays: Ep. 59 - Dignity Matters!

“When human beings are devalued, everything in society turns sour. Women are humiliated and children despised. The sick are regarded as a nuisance, and the elderly as a burden. Ethnic minorities as discriminated against. The poor are oppressed and denied social justice…labour is exploited in the mines and factories. There is no freedom, no dignity, no carefree joy. Human life seems not worth living because it is scarcely human any longer…people matter…because every man, woman, and child has...