“If you want to connect with true strength, then you have to find your own weakness." Yes! That is from today's guest, David Achata, an author, coach, trainer, facilitator, speaker, and former pastor. David brings over twenty years of leadership experience to organizations, team development, and training. He is the author of "Embrace What You Don’t Know: A Stupid Guide to Smart Business Leadership" and "Executive Retreats for Busy Business Leaders: How to Achieve More by Working Less"  He lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with his wife and two children. Thanks for listening! To learn more about leadership coaching, click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link) Connect with David -  Coaching & leadership development: achatacoaching.com Books, blogs and more: davidachata.com

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." Do you remember that song lyric? It's from the hit tune "Closing Time" by Semisonic, and it summarizes a truth: We don't like focusing on what is ending. We tend to prioritize the new thing and ignore the power endings have. We work hard to stay busy and avoid the wilderness period, which is often between the two. Today, I'm talking with Lisa Tilstra, Leadership Coach and fellow podcaster, about the Bridges Transition Model for navigating change and honoring transitions in our professional organizations and personal lives. I hope our conversation inspires insight and support for you in whatever transitions you may be moving through.  Thanks for listening.  To learn more about leadership coaching, click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link) Lisa Tilstra - Bio Originally from the United States, Lisa has lived and worked in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, France, and currently, Sri Lanka. Her work extends around the globe. She’s served individual coaching clients from 20+ countries, conducted training in over 30 countries, and had participants in her courses from over 80 countries. Her passion for connecting people and ideas leads her to pursue a deep understanding of culture and how it impacts our connection as humans.  At the heart of her work, she seeks to explore and respect cultural differences, deepen awareness of our similarities, and create ways to communicate with strategic precision for greater connection and understanding. Lisa learned the power of storytelling firsthand by sharing pieces of her journey of loss and grief.  After losing her first husband to a brain tumor in 2005, storytelling became a pivotal part of her healing and growth.  Many years later, she realized that storytelling was missing from her life and that it could once again be a catalyst for transformation as she sought to overcome depression, stagnation, and feeling completely stuck.  Ever since, she has been focused on intentionally creating ways to incorporate storytelling in her life, both personally and professionally.  And she is passionate about creating spaces that invite others to do the same. Lisa holds a master's degree from the University of Florida, a certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University, and the designation of Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from the International Coach Federation. She is certified in multiple Leadership assessment tools.  Lisa hosts regular Story Slams in her community and is the host of two podcasts.  The Make Life Less Difficult podcast is her passion project focused on sharing people’s stories to connect and know we aren’t alone in our journeys.  She's an avid nature enthusiast, loves to be in the mountains, is a paragliding pilot, and actively seeks opportunities to test her limits physically and emotionally.  Lisa is married to a US Diplomat (her favorite adventure partner), is an active real estate investor, and owns a boutique real estate investing consulting company. Click here for Lisa's website.  Click here for Lisa on LinkedIn.

My guest is Dr. Jamie Marich, author, speaker, and internationally recognized expert on topics related to EMDR therapy, trauma, addiction, and recovery. She has written numerous books, notably "Trauma and the 12 Steps: An Inclusive Guide to Recovery."  It takes courage to acknowledge and move through our hurts, and I've learned that compassionate self-examination is vital to our journey toward wholeness and healing, both in our personal and professional lives. Dr. Marich shares some of her courageous life-changing story, and our discussion goes from there. Thanks for listening! To learn more about leadership coaching, click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link) To find out how you can connect with Dr. Jamie Marich, visit these links: www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com www.traumamadesimple,com www.jamiemarich.com  https://redefinetherapy.com/   To watch the lecture and Q&A mentioned in the show, click the Events page of St. Thomas Episcopal Church .

"Silence is the necessary space around things that allows them to develop and flourish without my pushing." - Richard Rohr. In this solo episode, I share a story that taught me how powerful retreating into silence is for learning how to listen.  Listen in ways that can be attentive, discerning, loving, and open, allowing things to unfold. I hope this encourages you to consider taking time to retreat and listen in your world. Thanks for listening! (quote from Center for Action & Contemplation meditations) Learn more about me at ariannerice.com Mentioned in the show -  Holy Cross Abbey Abbey of Gethsemani Mepkin Abbey Carmelite Monastery of Baltimore

Powerful questions provoke introspection and sometimes a reassessment of who we are and who we are becoming. My guest today is the Rev. Derek Miller. And I asked him to be in conversation with me to share and discuss the introspective periods he journeyed through when his denominational identity was shifting and his marriage was ending. Difficult as they are, endings do lead to new beginnings.  Thanks for listening! To learn more about leadership coaching, click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link)   Bio -  Derek currently serves as the rector at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Old Ellicott City. Though now an Episcopal priest, he’s had a broad, multidenominational background. He was raised in the Baptist church, having both a father and grandfather as Baptist pastors, served in nondenominational churches as a worship leader and local pastor, and has learned and worked cross-denominationally in the Baltimore area for over 15 years, including attending an ecumenical seminary. He has experience in urban ministry work, church revitalization, faith community organizing, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. He currently lives in Ellicott City with his spouse Kara and their young son, Easton. He enjoys buying books (while also occasionally reading them), playing music, and sharing hand-crafted beverages accompanied by meaningful conversation. Find him on Instagram at @derekhmiller

“Sometimes our most delusional fantasies are not about what we expect in the future but what we think happened in the past.” Today my guest is the Rev. Mark Collins, and we are talking about expectations, resentments, and the supportive framework of 12-step spirituality in daily living.  And, if you haven't yet, consider listening to my previous conversation with Mark on Shame and Healing. Thanks for listening! To learn more about the spirituality of leadership and coaching, click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link)   Bio The Rev. Mark Robin Collins is an Episcopal priest and rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Glen Rock, New Jersey. He serves on the Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of Newark and is co-chair of the diocese’s Strategic Visioning process. Previously, he served at Christ & St. Stephen’s and Church of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan after graduating from General Theological Seminary in New York with prizes for preaching and church history. His seminary experience included study at Canterbury Cathedral in England as a Canterbury Scholar. Mark’s other ministries include being a parish Stewardship consultant and leading retreats for LGBTQ+ people recovering from addiction. Prior to seminary, Mark worked as a fundraiser for the International Rescue Committee, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and City Harvest. Mark has been an abortion rights advocate and clinic defender, AIDS activist and fundraiser, and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He and his husband Denton will celebrate the 27th year of their relationship later this year. Yes, that is a slight Southern accent -- Mark is originally from Memphis, Tennessee.

Our habits shape who we are becoming. Some habits we choose and some habits choose us. Today I’m speaking with the Rev. James Farwell an Episcopal priest, professor, and author and we're discussing his latest book "Ritual Excellence: Best Practices for Leading and Planning Liturgy" I hope whether or not you are someone who leads liturgy you still take a listen! Because the rituals that we choose to inhabit are can expand, shape and change our ways of being.  To learn more about spiritual leadership coaching click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link) Bio The Rev. James W. Farwell is the Professor of Theology and Liturgy at Virginia Theological Seminary and holds the H. Boone Chair of Liturgics at The General Theological Seminary. His fields of expertise include liturgical and sacramental theology and practice; liturgy, suffering, and trauma; and Christian comparative theology with special attention to the tradition of Soto Zen Buddhism. Dr. Farwell holds the Ph.D. in Theological Studies from Emory University. He is a member of the American Academy of Liturgy; the Society for Comparative Theology; and he convenes the Anglican Consortium of the North American Academy of Liturgy. His most recent publications include the Seabury Press book, "Ritual Excellence: Best Practices for Leading and Planning Liturgy."

"I don’t know how we get whole without community and connection," says my partner in this conversation, the Rev. Jered Weber-Johnson - and I would wholeheartedly agree! I hope you enjoy this episode, and I'm grateful you are here. Thank you for listening. Please take a moment to like, follow, and/or share this episode! To learn more about spiritual leadership coaching click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link) Bio The Rev. Jered Weber Johnson was called to St. John’s, St. Paul, MN to be the Rector in the spring of 2011 – and as he describes it, coming to St. John’s was like “coming home.”  As the priest in charge of the parish, Jered oversees the operations of the church, the staff, the finances, and fundraising, as well as the spiritual life and care of the congregation.  Jered also preaches regularly, teaches, celebrates the Eucharist and presides at other worship along with our associate rector, does regular pastoral care, and chairs vestry, the lay governing board of the parish. Before moving to Minnesota, Jered served at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, which is located close to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.  Previously, Jered also served at St. Paul’s Chapel at Ground Zero and Trinity Wall Street in New York City.  While in New York he received his Master of Divinity from The General Theological Seminary.  Jered and his wife Erin were sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia in western Washington, to serve as missionaries with the Episcopal Church’s Young Adult Service Corp in northern Taiwan. To learn more about Jered and the church he serves, click here.

There is wisdom in ourselves, in our communities, and in the faithful work of showing up, day by day, year in and year out - if we make time to hear it. Today, my guest is the Rev. Stephanie Allen, Canon for Leadership Development in the Diocese of East Carolina, and learning to listen well is just some of what we talk about.  Thanks for listening! Please take a moment to like, share or write a brief review. To learn more about spiritual leadership coaching click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link) Bio - The Rev. Canon Stephanie Allen Stephanie Allen is a priest in the Episcopal Church.  She has been Rector of Church of the Nativity in Raleigh, NC for the past twelve years, but will be leaving shortly to serve as Canon for Leadership Development for the Diocese of East Carolina. She holds an undergraduate degree in Theater Arts from the University of the South, Sewanee and an M.Div. from The General Episcopal Seminary in New York. Wife to Michael and mother to two awesome young adults, Stephanie likes to knit with expensive yarn, read cheap novels published on kindle, and walk her ridiculous, poorly trained hound dog who is the best dog ever.

Today my guest is the Rev. Mary Foulke! Thanks for listening. To learn more about spiritual leadership coaching click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link) Bio - The Rev. Mary Foulke The Reverend Mary Foulke, Ed.D. is an educator and social justice advocate. She has been the Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Harlem since 2014. Since entering professional ministry in 1989, she has sought to articulate a religious/spiritual perspective that is open, intelligent and humble. She helps churches to build communities in which differences are recognized, understood, engaged and celebrated, and where creative/wholistic social action and service are developed and supported. She has worked on the Upper East Side, Wellesley, MA, Pasadena CA, Greenwich Village, with congregations large and small. She has also learned from and taught every age group from pre-k to seminary/graduate school about religion, education and resisting all forms of oppression.

Welcome to Season Two! Today my guest is Bishop Coadjutor-Elect of Maryland, Carrie Schofield-Broadbent. Thanks for listening! To learn more about my work click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link) To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland click here Bishop Carrie - Bio Bishop Coadjutor-Elect of Maryland, Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, (she/her) identifies her own core values of ministry as: trust and relationships, truth and transparency, and compassion and faithfulness. These qualities reveal themselves in who God has created her to be: a bridge-builder, someone who is not afraid of tough conversations, and an encourager – grounded in integrity, creativity, and the love of Jesus. Open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, her collaborative leadership style combines strength, graciousness, authenticity, strategy and a generous sense of humor. Deeply committed to honoring the dignity of every human being, Bishop-elect Carrie consistently attends to her own work around race, climate change, economic justice, and full-inclusion of LGBTQAI+ persons and is committed to helping the Church grow in these areas. Bishop-elect Carrie has consulted with clergy, lay leaders, vestries and congregations across the Church who are experiencing conflict. She graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2003 and is a trainer with the College for Congregational Development. She will be consecrated September 16, 2023 at Washington National Cathedral. Bishop-elect Carrie is married to her husband, Keith. Their children are Will (19), who is a sophomore at SUNY ESF and Kate (17), who is a junior in high school. They have two dogs and enjoy traveling, camping, kayaking, and hiking together. In her free time, she is a hobby potter and also dabbles in painting and quilting. She also loves to read, practice yoga, nurture friendships, and cultivate her growing love of houseplants.

"If we could all be more real about how hard life is, we would probably be more loving people." Today my guest is The Very Rev. Jonah Kendall, a colleague and friend who shares the story of a difficult and painful experience in his family. This is a conversation about being there for people when there are no words. And about leaning into the support of people, community, and rituals to give us the words we need.  Thanks for listening. Bio The Very Rev. Jonah Kendall serves as the Rector of St. Thomas, Sun Valley, Idaho, as well as an appointed missioner for the Central Deanery of the Diocese of Idaho.  Jonah was ordained at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on September 15th, 2001, just four days after September 11th.  Throughout his 20+ years of ministry, Jonah has served four dynamic parishes, each in a completely different context.  Jonah met his wife, Caty, while studying at the General Theological Seminary in New York when she was visiting her mother, a classmate of Jonah’s.  They have two daughters, Scout and Beau.  Jonah’s passion for ministry is in the cultivation of relationships that build connections between God, the Church, and the world.  He enjoys the great outdoors, and when he’s not at church, you will find him hiking, skiing, or exploring with his family.

“To live in the truth that we are worthy of love and belonging. Period. That is the gospel message.” It was a joy to have this conversation with the Rev. Canon Erika von Haaran, Episcopal priest, Certified Daring Way Facilitator, Certified ILS Enneagram Coach, and founder of Haven Consulting & Coaching. I share her belief in that powerful gospel truth and hope her story of calling, discernment, and vocation inspires renewed awareness of that truth for you! Thanks for listening! You can connect with Erika at Haven Consulting & Coaching Bio An Episcopal priest for nearly 17 years, von Haaren’s calling began in tiny Minnesota churches in the Mississippi River Valley. After an undergrad degree in Theatre Arts from the U of MN, she earned an M.Div. from General Seminary in 2006. She landed at Saint Barnabas in Scottsdale as an associate priest for mission ministries. Over that 14-year tenure, she was promoted to Vicar/COO: Chief of Staff and strategic developer with oversight of all program departments.  In 2014, von Haaren became a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator and a Certified ILS Enneagram Coach in 2021 to help people explore their lives and relationships with God in new ways. She has served on the Standing Committee of the Diocese of AZ as a professor for the Deacon Formation Academy. She recently stepped down as Chair of the Commission on Ministry after a 5-year tenure.  In 2020, Erika partnered all of the above with the work of Interim Ministry in a move to Resurrection Episcopal Church in Gilbert. In that year, the mission saw a 25% growth in membership and a 30% increase in stewardship all while articulating priorities, standardizing systems, and deepening discipleship. That same year, Haven Consulting & Coaching was born to serve people, groups and businesses who seek a teacher/companion/strategist as they discern their goals, define their futures, and learn how to get to those places with deliberate wisdom. In early 2022, von Haaren was named Interim Rector at Christ Church of the Ascension in Paradise Valley, leading the way in strategically positioning the parish for strength to lead into a new permanent rectorship. In 2022, she was honored for her contributions by being named an Honorary Canon of the Diocese of Arizona. Erika is a mother to three children, an avid reader, an occasional crafter, and a devoted weight-lifter, who loves Ted Lasso, and Little House on the Prairie. She seeks to live each day with her values as her guide: empathy, grace, love, and integrity.

"Any type of personal change is just as much art as science, and it's a co-creative process." A desire for change is often the catalyst for seeking a therapist, coach, or helping professional. But we seek support in understanding ourselves and our motivations for myriad reasons. Today I’m speaking with David Kitchings, a Licensed Professional Counselor – i.e. therapist - with a private practice in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he works with individuals and couples.  He is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, an approved IFS clinical consultant, and is on staff for IFS trainings and IFIO (Intimacy from the Inside Out) trainings. Thanks for listening! Bio -  In addition to the above, David teaches introductory IFS workshops and has experience in IFS-inspired executive coaching and IFS-inspired psychedelic integration.  David returned to psychotherapy in 2015 after years spent working as an attorney, business owner, and stay-at-home dad to three children. He spent time in Singapore and Switzerland, working with expatriates. David has a deep interest in spirituality, art, and music.  You can learn more at www.davidkitchings.com.  You can learn more about IFS at https://ifs-institute.com/ and IFIO at www.toniherbineblank.com/

“There are certain things you have to experience for it to change you.” Today my conversation partner is Candace Chance, Founder of the V.I.P. strategy and design firm and several more entrepreneurial endeavors to support strategic visioning in communities. Candace shares personally and professionally about the experiences that led her to discover her core value of being an ambassador and bridge-builder between cultures and people and different ways of being in the world.  Thanks for listening - and thanks for sharing! Bio Candace is a Baltimore City native (with Guyanese roots) who spent a decade exploring the dynamics of social & economic ecosystems. She has been developing strategies to serve the development of regenerative and self-determined communities.  Candace founded The V.P.I. Firm (Vision, Performance, & Impact): a process and strategy design firm for community development & social impact. She also co-founded Momo|Wucha, an equity real estate development firm.  As if that wasn’t enough, Candace is also the Interim Executive Director (previously founding Board President) of BCIITY (Baltimore City Intergenerational Initiative for Trauma & Youth), a community-managed alliance of over 60 organizations and social enterprises, disseminating over $3.5 million to community-grown solutions. Other volunteer work includes sitting on the  board of Maryland’s 1st Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts & Entertainment District in West Baltimore, advisor for CLLCTIVLY and Project Niche, and member of the Alumnae & Alumni of Goucher College’s Public Service Award Committee.

"When you create an environment where authenticity is the winning quality instead of perfection, you bring out the best in people, the most human, the least judgmental." This is the power of storytelling! This connects and creates sacred space between people. Today my conversation is with Jessica Myles Henkin and Laura Wexler, Founders, Producers and Hosts of "The Stoop Storytelling Series" in Baltimore. I hope you find encouragement, and insights, to listen to others and share some stories of your own. Thanks for listening! Click here to learn more about Jessica, Laura and The Stoop! Click here to listen to a Stoop story I shared with a live audience.

“What does your body tell you about your life now?” That's a hard question! I am not someone who easily attunes to the wisdom of my body. When I think of wisdom, I think of being in my head, not my body. Today my guest is Marietta Vis, a somatics leadership coach who invites us to explore and embrace embodied self-awareness. I'm grateful for Marietta's sharing some of her story with me and for the generous ways, she shares her work with the world. You can connect with Marietta, and sign-up for her community offerings here: www.VisiveCoaching.com   Subscribe to Marietta's newsletter on LinkedIn.   Or schedule some time with Marietta to explore more.

"There is not a perfect place we get to where we aren't wounded by life." I know this is true, and I wish it weren't! My guest today is my close friend and colleague, The Rev. Mark Robin Collins and we are discussing the classic and best-selling book, "Healing the Shame that Binds You" by John Bradshaw. Thanks for listening! Click here to watch the YouTube video of Bradshaw we discuss. Bio The Rev. Mark Robin Collins is an Episcopal priest and rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Glen Rock, New Jersey. He serves on the Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of Newark and is co-chair of the diocese’s Strategic Visioning process. Previously, he served at Christ & St. Stephen’s and Church of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan after graduating from General Theological Seminary in New York with prizes for preaching and church history. His seminary experience included study at Canterbury Cathedral in England as a Canterbury Scholar. Mark’s other ministries include being a parish Stewardship consultant and leading retreats for LGBTQ+ people recovering from addiction. Prior to seminary, Mark worked as a fundraiser for the International Rescue Committee, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and City Harvest. Mark has been an abortion rights advocate and clinic defender, AIDS activist and fundraiser, and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He and his husband Denton will celebrate the 27th year of their relationship later this year. Yes, that is a slight Southern accent -- Mark is originally from Memphis, Tennessee.

“There are more ways of being, seeing, showing up, perceiving and understanding than what is innate or natural for us.” Yes, yes! Today my guest is Brad Farrington, an ordained minister, executive leadership coach, and founder of New Waters Group, LLC.  And he utilizes the Enneagram as a framework for himself and others to discover ways of being we can cultivate. Thanks, Brad, for this engaging and dynamic conversation. Thanks for listening! Click here to find Richard Rohr's resources on the Enneagram.   Bio The Rev. Brad Farrington is an ordained minister, executive leadership coach, and founder of New Waters Group, LLC. He received his Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching at Georgetown University, Master of Divinity at Emory University, and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion at Appalachian State University. He is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as well as an Integrative Enneagram Accredited Practitioner (iEQ9). Through his 25+ year career he has served in numerous lead roles, including being a pastor, campus minister, nonprofit executive director, and small business owner and entrepreneur.    His life’s calling is to help others claim their unique identity, clarify their purpose, and connect to a greater journey of life as they navigate their next steps – personally, professionally, or organizationally. He lives in the mountains of North Carolina in Boone with his wife and two teenage children.

"We want to be seen for who we are, and that starts with taking time to see into ourselves." Today I'm talking about tarot cards and confessing my heresy with author Brittany Muller. In her book, "The Contemplative Tarot: A Christian Guide to the Cards" Brittany shares how the tarot can become an unexpected - and not heretical! - tool in our desire to pause, contemplate and look inside ourselves for the wisdom we need. Thanks for listening! In our conversation we refer to the Rider-Waite Tarot deck Brittany Muller is an Austin-based writer and an enthusiastic believer in the beautiful strangeness of Christianity. A devout Catholic with an equally devout sense of curiosity, her favorite pastime is finding new ways to think about God. She is the author of The Contemplative Tarot: A Christian Guide to the Cards, from St. Martin’s Essentials.