
Between Retreats
A space to continue the healing, solidarity, and reimagination of Pastors, Priests and Guides.
Latest episodes

Apr 10, 2025 • 19min
Why Boston? Why Gather? Why Jesus? (with Rev Stephanie Spellers)
Aaron asks Rev Stephanie three questions about what it means to be a Christ-follower in the world right now, and helps us all reflect on our own lives. First, what location has shaped your faith in helpful and unhelpful ways? Second, why is it so important to gather these days rather than isolate? Third, why have you not given up on the Way of Jesus?

Mar 21, 2025 • 48min
The Why, What, and How of Spiritual Direction (with Tara Owens)
Tara Owens, founder of Anam Cara Ministries and a spiritual director with two decades of experience, shares her insights on spiritual direction. She emphasizes the importance of personal connection with God and the dangers of isolation in spiritual growth. The discussion highlights the intimate nature of spiritual direction as a supportive relationship that differs from therapy. Tara also explores the significance of community, the need for tailored mentorship, and ends with a heartfelt invitation for listeners to deepen their spiritual journeys.

Nov 2, 2024 • 24min
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 10 (with Aaron Niequist)
Aaron Niequist invites us into the practice of Centering Prayer. He shares the story of how this practice helped him heal through a difficult season, and guides a short centering prayer during the episode. Show notes, links, and further next steps are at The Between Retreats Substack.

Oct 17, 2024 • 26min
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 9 (with Sophfronia Scott)
Author and Teacher Sophfronia Scott reflects on the power of language to both destroy and mend the world, and then teaches a brilliant practice to help us see each other as we truly are. Both an inspiring and deeply practical episode. Show notes, links, and next steps at the Between Retreats Substack. Join us!

Oct 13, 2024 • 30min
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 8 (with Ian Morgan Cron)
Author, therapist, and priest Ian Morgan Cron helps us engage Practices to Prevent a Civil War through the lens of his upcoming book on the Twelves Steps. A fascinating and really insightful conversation. Show notes, links, and next steps are at the Between Retreats Substack.

Oct 7, 2024 • 37min
Practices to Prevent a World War Ep 7 (with The Telos Group)
Dave Davis and David Katibah from The Telos Group join us to talk about October 7th, Gaza, and the widening violence in the middle east. Out of the realities on the ground, they appeal to diverse communities of American peacemakers to stand with both Palestinians and Israelis to sustain dignity, freedom, and security for all. And they offer Six Principles and Practices of Peacemaking to help us participate. Powerful. All six practices, along with links and next steps, are at the Between Retreats Substack. Join us!

Oct 4, 2024 • 34min
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 6 (with Nina Barnes)
Spiritual Director Nina Barnes helps us reflect on the great cloud of witnesses, the anger and cynicism of being awake right now, and the necessity of carrying each other. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Sep 30, 2024 • 29min
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 5 (with Shane Claiborne)
Justice advocate and author Shane Claiborne helps us engage our hearts and our hands in the needs of the country. Especially the poor and forgotten. After sharing a couple stories, Shane teaches a historic practice to help us remove the plank in our own eye before we attempt to remove the speck in our neighbor's eye. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Sep 26, 2024 • 25min
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 4 (with Shauna Niequist)
Author Shauna Niequist invites us to stop scrolling and begin gathering. She reminds us about the power of the table and the necessity of being face to face with those we love and those we don't yet understand. A compelling and highly practical episode. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Sep 22, 2024 • 28min
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 3 (with Drew Jackson)
Poet and Preacher Drew Jackson reflects on the apocalyptic times we live in and the calling of the American church while things crumble. To carry us through these days, he calls us toward hope and teaches a powerful breath prayer from Colossians 3. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.