A World of Difference

Do you long for a renewed sense of strength and self-discovery in the face of life's challenges? Are you seeking inspiration and guidance to navigate major transitions with resilience? Look no further! In this episode, we have the incredible Lisa Niver sharing her journey and offering the key to unlocking your own personal growth and transformation. Discover how to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and uncover a profound sense of self-discovery and inner strength. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey towards a renewed and empowered of yourself.My special guest is Lisa NiverMeet Lisa Niver, a globally recognized travel enthusiast, award-winning writer, and trailblazer in the digital world. Lisa's life is a testament to resilience and following one's passion. Her zest for adventure has led her to explore over 102 countries, making her an expert in not just travel, but life itself. Lisa has also faced personal trials, including a painful divorce, and yet, was able to turn her despair into motivation. She embarked on 50 challenging journeys before her 50th birthday, an experience she details in her riveting memoir Brave-ish. Lisa’s multi-dimensional life experiences, deeply resonating with our listeners, promises to inspire and guide them through their personal transitions.If you do new things and make new choices, you will not be reminded of your past. So if you go to a new restaurant, you don’t have bad memories. It is important to work through past drama and figure out how to deal with it. And at the same time, do something that’s serving you in a positive way. – Lisa NiverIn this episode, you will be able to: Trace Lisa Niver's compelling narrative that underlines her remarkable toughness. Grasp the dramatic life improvement that embracing novel tests and challenges can bring. Validate the need for mental health guidance and strong relationships during demanding transitions. Identify the calming effects of immersive hobbies like scuba diving and scribing feelings. Be invigorated by Lisa's encouraging insights in 'Brave-ish' and realize the potential of mini steps towards enhancing oneself. Role of Therapy and Trust-Based RelationshipsLisa Niver highlights the importance of therapy and the support of friends in her healing journey. She also emphasizes navigating troublesome circumstances through understanding the difference between mere inconveniences and actual problems. By emphasizing mental health, she underscores the pivotal role of therapy and relationships in fostering resilience and moving forward in life.The resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit Lisa Niver's website, We Said Go Travel, to read her articles and travel guides. Check out Lisa's YouTube channel with over 2 million views for travel inspiration and tips. Listen to Lisa's podcast, Make Your Own Map, to hear interviews with inspiring travelers and learn about their journeys. Purchase Lisa's memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After 50, to explore her personal story of transformation and find inspiration for your own journey. Connect with Lisa on social media to stay updated on her latest travel adventures and insights. Consider joining a scuba diving trip or taking up a new hobby that brings you joy and helps you reconnect with yourself. Take time for self-care activities, such as enjoying a relaxing bath with luxurious bath salts or spending time in nature, to nurture your well-being during challenging times. Find a support system of friends and loved ones who can offer guidance and encouragement as you navigate through difficult life transitions. Explore new places and try new experiences to create positive memories and associations with your post-divorce life. Embrace the healing power of walking and spending time near water The key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction,00:02:09 - Discovering a Love for Travel,00:03:57 - The Educational Benefits of Travel,00:05:11 - Make Your Own Map Podcast,00:06:13 - Brave-ish: A Memoir of Transformation,00:13:46 - The Healing Power of the Ocean,00:16:44 - Healing Through Pain and Suffering,00:17:11 - Setting Goals for Personal Growth,00:22:45 - Overcoming Self-Perceptions,00:27:46 - Coping with Life Changes,00:29:40 - The Meaning Behind "Braveish",00:31:52 - Favorite Travel Destinations,00:34:54 - Small Steps and Patience,00:38:42 - Embracing Change and Women's Stories,00:40:58 - Embracing Challenges and Inspiring Others,00:41:15 - Traveling as a Woman,00:41:41 - Reflecting on Lisa's Journey,00:42:45 - Overcoming Midlife Doubts,00:44:03 - Taking Action and Making a DifferenceI thought I would never laugh again. I thought it would never travel again. I had really felt very hopeless. But I did a lot of therapy, every kind of therapy that I could find. And I'm in Los Angeles, so there were a lot of kinds. - Lisa NiverTimestamped summary of this episode:00:00:02 - Introduction,Introduction to the podcast and the guest, Lisa Niver, an award-winning travel expert and author.00:02:09 - Discovering a Love for Travel,Lisa shares how her love for travel began during a family cruise when she was in junior high. She talks about the impact of visiting historical sites and how it sparked her curiosity.00:03:57 - The Educational Benefits of Travel,Lisa discusses the natural learning that occurs when traveling with kids and how it can foster curiosity, map reading skills, and cultural understanding.00:05:11 - Make Your Own Map Podcast,Lisa talks about her podcast, "Make Your Own Map," and the joy of interviewing incredible people and learning about their travel experiences and life challenges.00:06:13 - Brave-ish: A Memoir of Transformation,Lisa shares the inspiration behind her memoir, "Brave-ish," which chronicles her journey of self-discovery and empowerment after her divorce. She discusses the societal pressures women face and how her book resonates with readers.00:13:46 - The Healing Power of the Ocean,Lisa Niver shares how the ocean, particularly in Santa Monica, California, has helped heal her during challenging times. She discusses the intimate details of her marriage falling apart and how writing about it was a difficult but necessary process. She also shares helpful techniques she used, such as wearing a talisman and lighting a candle, to signal when she was writing about her past traumas.00:16:44 - Healing Through Pain and Suffering,Lori acknowledges that there are no shortcuts to healing and that walking through the pain and suffering is necessary. She expresses gratitude to Lisa for writing about her process, as it will provide healing for others who have experienced similar challenges in their own lives.00:17:11 - Setting Goals for Personal Growth,Lisa discusses her goal of completing 50 challenges before turning 50, highlighting the significance of setting goals for personal growth. She shares how these challenges helped her discover new aspects of herself and overcome her initial resistance to trying new things. The most significant challenge for her was getting a proper diagnosis and improving her eye coordination through tennis lessons.00:22:45 - Overcoming Self-Perceptions,Lisa reflects on her self-perception as not being adventurous or athletic. Through her challenges and the encouragement of a friend, she realized that she had been adventurous all along. She shares how saying yes to one opportunity led to many others, and the experience of discovering new sides of herself was transformative.00:27:46 - Coping with Life Changes,Lisa compares the end of her marriage to a natural disaster and discusses the importance of having a support network and seeking therapy. She emphasizes the need to focus on the steps that can be taken rather than dwelling on what cannot be done.00:29:40 - The Meaning Behind "Braveish",Lisa explains that she did not feel brave when people called her courageous after leaving her relationship. She shares her struggle with completing her project and the joy and freedom she felt in quitting. The title of her book, "Braveish," reflects her mixed feelings about being labeled as brave.00:31:52 - Favorite Travel Destinations,Lisa expresses her love for scuba diving and how she enjoys exploring underwater environments. She mentions Bonaire, Mexico, as a favorite location and shares her excitement about discovering new places and experiences through travel.00:34:54 - Small Steps and Patience,Lisa discusses the importance of taking small steps and embracing patience in the process of rebuilding one's life. She shares a story about her YouTube channel's growth and how her father reminded her to appreciate each milestone along the way.00:38:42 - Embracing Change and Women's Stories,Lisa reflects on the lessons she learned from a retreat in Puerto Rico, emphasizing the need to let go of what no longer serves us and to nurture the aspects of our lives that we want to flourish. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her story as a woman00:40:58 - Embracing Challenges and Inspiring Others,The host praises Lisa Niver for sharing her inspiring experiences and putting beauty into the world. They discuss Lisa's book "Brave-ish" and hope it encourages others to create their own challenges and be brave.00:41:15 - Traveling as a Woman,The host asks Lisa about her experience traveling solo as a woman. They address the concerns of others who think it is dangerous. The discussion continues in the patreon community.00:41:41 - Reflecting on Lisa's Journey,The host reflects on Lisa's adventurous life, from scuba diving to dealing with a devastating loss. They emphasize the message of transformation and hope that listeners are inspired to explore new possibilities.00:42:45 - Overcoming Midlife Doubts,The host encourages listeners, especially those in midlife, to believe that there are always new opportunities waiting. They highlight the importance of trying new things, pursuing passions, and embracing change.00:44:03 - Taking Action and Making a Difference,The host urges listeners to take action and be inspired by Lisa's story. They invite listeners to share their own inspirations and aspirations, emphasizing the power of connection and community in making a difference.“One of the things about all the challenges that I noticed about myself was my first instinct when I was given the opportunity to do something new or different. My first response was always emphatic that I was not going to try. But as more and more challenges came to me later, I was more willing to do them.” - Lisa Niver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renowned sleep doctor, Dr. Barry Krakow, battles dismissive doctors, empowers patients, and transforms lives through the power of proper diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders, unlocking the key to improved mental well-being.My special guest is Barry KrakowBarry Krakow is a seasoned medical professional and a celebrated figure in the world of sleep science. With over three decades of dedicated service, Barry has helped countless individuals navigate through sleep disorders, from chronic nightmares and insomnia to Restless Leg Syndrome. As a board-certified internist, his work has shed light on the intricate relationship between sleep quality and mental health. Barry is currently a professor at Mercer University School of Medicine, where he oversees the training of future psychiatrists in the field of sleep medicine. His life's work and distinct insights make him an invaluable guide for those struggling with sleep disorders and mental health issues.By having these problems with your sleep, it's not just all psychological. You end up with cardiovascular diseases, neurologic problems. Sleep is a huge deal. - Barry KrakowIn this episode, you will be able to: Gain insights into how sleep disorders intertwine with mental health, illuminating a side of psychological resilience few have considered. Learn about the successful methods used in dealing with long-term nightmares and sleeplessness, and the prospect of finally getting that elusive good night's rest. Appreciate why taking stock of sleep quality is paramount and the significant benefits it brings to your day-to-day activities. Understand the challenges in securing good care for sleep disorders and strategies to navigate them. Delve into the sleep needs of teenagers, and the profound effects sleep has on their overall development and well-being. Emphasize the importance of addressing sleep qualityMaintaining quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. It's an area that often gets overlooked, but poor sleep quality can result in deteriorating mental health conditions and reduced alertness during the day. Therefore, prioritizing sleep quality by seeking professional help when needed and implementing beneficial habits can dramatically improve overall well-being.The resources mentioned in this episode are: Purchase Dr. Barry Krakow's book Life Saving Sleep: New Horizons in Mental Health Treatment to learn more about the relationship between sleep and mental health. Visit Dr. Krakow's website to find resources and information about sleep disorders and treatment options. If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep and mental health, consider seeking help from a sleep doctor or specialist in your area. Explore the various treatment options available for sleep disorders, including medication, therapy, and alternative therapies. Take steps to improve the quality of your sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and practicing relaxation techniques before bed. Consider using sleep tracking devices or apps to monitor your sleep patterns and identify any potential issues. Prioritize self-care and stress management techniques to reduce the impact of mental health on your sleep. Educate yourself about the connection between sleep disorders and mental health, and advocate for better understanding and treatment within the mental health community. If you suspect that your sleep problems may be related to an underlying mental health condition, consult with a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. Reach out to support groups or online communities Join his SUBSTACK URL FOR FREE SLEEP NEWSLETTER: https://fastasleep.substack.com/ The key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction, 00:03:11 - Connecting Sleep and Mental Health, 00:08:28 - Importance of Sleep Quality, 00:12:18 - Sleep's Impact on Mental Health, 00:14:57 - Long-term Consequences of Untreated Sleep Disorders, 00:16:26 - The Importance of Sleep Technology, 00:19:14 - The Life-Changing Impact of Proper Treatment, 00:23:04 - Non-Medication Strategies for Improved Sleep, 00:25:45 - Finding the Right Sleep Center, 00:32:17 - The Impact of Nightmares and Insomnia in Adolescents 00:34:09 - Nonpharmacological Treatments for Nightmares and Insomnia 00:35:16 - Changing Perspectives on Sleep 00:38:05 - Finding Therapists for Treating Insomnia and Nightmares 00:48:02 - Gratitude for Sleep Expert, 00:48:24 - Making a Difference in Lives, 00:48:40 - Unique Research and Profession, 00:49:20 - Join the Difference Maker Community, 00:49:35 - Farewell and Gratitude, Stop counting number of hours of sleep and look at the fact that there must be something wrong with the quality of your sleep itself. Sleep does this amazing brainwashing technique in the middle of the night, so to speak, where it cleanses the brain of toxic molecules. - Barry KrakowTimestamped summary of this episode:00:00:02 - Introduction, Introduction to the podcast and guest, Dr. Barry Krakow, a sleep medicine specialist, and his expertise in treating sleep disorders related to mental health.00:03:11 - Connecting Sleep and Mental Health, Dr. Krakow discusses his groundbreaking research on the connection between sleep disorders, such as nightmares and insomnia, and mental health conditions like PTSD. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating sleep disorders as independent issues.00:08:28 - Importance of Sleep Quality, Dr. Krakow highlights the significance of sleep quality over the number of hours slept. He explains that fragmented sleep with disrupted brainwave patterns can lead to feelings of unrefreshed sleep and daytime fatigue.00:12:18 - Sleep's Impact on Mental Health, The discussion delves into the various mechanisms by which sleep affects mental health. Dr. Krakow explains how sleep improves energy levels, cleanses the brain of toxic molecules, and its correlation with the glymphatic system, which may influence the risk of dementia.00:14:57 - Long-term Consequences of Untreated Sleep Disorders, Dr. Krakow emphasizes the wide-ranging consequences of untreated sleep disorders on both mental and physical health, including cardiovascular and neurological issues. He warns against prolonged reliance on medications or ineffective advice, urging individuals to seek proper treatment for their sleep disorders.00:16:26 - The Importance of Sleep Technology, The guest discusses the importance of having advanced technology in sleep centers to accurately diagnose sleep disorders. He shares a story about a single mom who was constantly tired and struggling at work. After being dismissed by other sleep centers, she found relief through a specific technology that measured her breathing in a unique way.00:19:14 - The Life-Changing Impact of Proper Treatment, The guest recounts the story of the single mom who experienced a miraculous improvement in her life after receiving proper treatment for her sleep disorder. Despite having a mild form of upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), her symptoms disappeared and she regained her energy and ability to function normally. This case highlights the transformative power of sleep medicine.00:23:04 - Non-Medication Strategies for Improved Sleep, The guest suggests various non-medication strategies for individuals who heavily rely on sleeping pills. He emphasizes the importance of addressing sleep quality and exploring potential breathing issues. Simple interventions like nasal saline drops or nasal strips can significantly improve sleep. Dental devices and surgeries may also be options for those with specific conditions.00:25:45 - Finding the Right Sleep Center, The guest acknowledges the challenges in finding a sleep center that provides comprehensive care. He advises individuals to ask specific questions when contacting a sleep center, such as whether they treat upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and whether they use Bi level devices instead of CPAP. Being informed and advocating for oneself is crucial in navigating the sleep medicine field.00:32:17 - The Impact of Nightmares and Insomnia in Adolescents Nightmares and insomnia are common problems in adolescents, especially during the teenage years. Nightmares can be a red flag for anxiety, depression, and trauma, while insomnia can have a significant impact on sleep quality. Therapists who specialize in treating nightmares and insomnia can help adolescents overcome these issues.00:34:09 - Nonpharmacological Treatments for Nightmares and Insomnia Imagery Rehearsal Therapy is a leading nonpharmacological treatment for chronic nightmares, but it is not widely known or practiced. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia is another specialized program that can help individuals improve their sleep quality. Both therapies focus on changing behaviors and patterns associated with sleep.00:35:16 - Changing Perspectives on Sleep Two important paradigms to consider when addressing insomnia are stopping clockwatching and understanding the difference between feeling sleepy and feeling tired. Clockwatching can worsen insomnia, while recognizing the feeling of sleepiness and only getting into bed when feeling that way can improve sleep quality.00:38:05 - Finding Therapists for Treating Insomnia and Nightmares Therapists who specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia can be found through sleep centers or online programs. However, finding therapists who practice Imagery Rehearsal Therapy may be more challenging. Military sleep centers often have mental health professionals trained in IRT due to the high prevalence of PTSD and nightmares among military personnel.00:48:02 - Gratitude for Sleep Expert, The host expresses gratitude for Dr. Krakow, an expert on sleep who has been working in the field for over 30 years. She encourages listeners to check out his resources and share them with others who may be struggling with sleep.00:48:24 - Making a Difference in Lives, The host emphasizes the goal of the podcast, which is to make a difference in the lives of listeners. She encourages them to share the episode with anyone who could benefit from learning about sleep and mentions the exclusive content available in the Difference Maker community.00:48:40 - Unique Research and Profession, The host expresses gratitude for Dr. Krakow's unique research and profession in the field of sleep. She highlights the valuable information she has already learned from him and hopes that listeners will also find his insights helpful for improving their sleep and the sleep of their families.00:49:20 - Join the Difference Maker Community, The host invites listeners to join the Difference Maker community for extra content with Dr. Krakow and other experts. She emphasizes the importance of sleep and encourages everyone to spread the news about how to sleep better by sharing the episode with others.00:49:35 - Farewell and Gratitude, The host concludes the episode by thanking listeners and bidding farewell. She encourages everyone to have a great day and to continue making a difference in the world.When you treat somebody's sleep disorder, not only do they sleep better, but their mental health improves. Patients have been walking into doctors' offices for decades saying, 'Doctor, if you can fix my sleep problem, my depression is going to get better.' - Barry KrakowEmphasize the importance of addressing sleep qualityMaintaining quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. It's an area that often gets overlooked, but poor sleep quality can result in deteriorating mental health conditions and reduced alertness during the day. Therefore, prioritizing sleep quality by seeking professional help when needed and implementing beneficial habits can dramatically improve overall well-being.Become a Difference Maker and enjoy exclusive content. Join our exclusive membership club for as little as $5 USD/month at Difference Makers.**********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to reviewMentioned in this episode:Join Difference MakersJoin us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.PatreonDo you want to go deeper?Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!PatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unleashing the Power of Eating, Learning, and Playing: Join CEO Chris Helfrich as he champions the impactful mission of Eat.Learn.Play Foundation to transform underserved communities through its three pillars, challenging the stigmas of charity and inspiring lasting change.My special guest is Chris HelfrichMeet Chris Helfrich, the force behind the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. Not a stranger to charitable work, Chris has broadened his experience, starting from his endeavors with the UN Foundation Against Malaria to leading the Starlight Children's Foundation. Now, partnering with Ayesha and Steph Curry, Chris is transforming thousands of lives in Oakland through the power of Eat Learn Play. Using this powerful trifecta, Chris and his team advocate for children's access to nutritious food, quality education, and sports activities. His work goes beyond charity; it's about offering dignity, a proud sense of community, and a bright future for those in need.This bus totally flips receiving charity on its head, where normally there can be real stigma attached to receiving food from a food bank, right? And instead, what we have with the Eat and Play bus is like, kids just flocking to the bus to receive these resources. - Chris HelfrichChris Helfrich, CEO of the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, was interviewed on the A World of Difference podcast by host Lori Adams-Brown. The conversation centered around the foundation's mission and impact in Oakland, California. Helfrich discussed the three pillars of the foundation: eating, learning, and playing, and emphasized their importance in creating a happy and successful childhood. He shared how the foundation focuses on childhood literacy, with a specific emphasis on third-grade reading levels. Helfrich also highlighted the foundation's commitment to impact over legacy, as well as their partnership with the Curry family. Overall, the episode serves as an inspiring discussion on the work being done by the Eat Learn Play Foundation and the importance of community involvement in making a difference.In this episode, you will be able to: Dive into the transformative ethos of the Eat Learn Play Foundation and its initiatives in Oakland. Learn about the concentrated focus the foundation has on the intellectual growth of children. Appreciate the role of unstructured play and physical health in the holistic development of children. Unravel opportunities to participate and make a difference with the foundation's community initiatives. Grasp how local participation is a major asset in addressing and resolving social challenges. Pivotal Role of Eat Learn Play FoundationEat Learn Play Foundation, co-founded by Chris Helfrich, Stephen Curry and his wife author and celebrity chef Ayesha, plays a significant role in uplifting the community in Oakland, California. With a stellar record of delivering 25 million meals, investing in literacy programs, and serving numerous young individuals, they create an impactful difference. Their strategy involves forming robust relationships with influential partners, and operating innovative programs like the mobile bookstore and market bus, fulfilling their mission to nourish, educate, and entertain.The resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit the Eat Learn Play Foundation website to learn more about their mission and the work they do in Oakland. Support the Eat Learn Play Foundation by making a donation to help provide meals, books, and resources to youth in need. Follow Eat Learn Play on social media to stay updated on their latest initiatives and events. Volunteer your time with Eat Learn Play to make a hands-on impact in the Oakland community. Purchase merchandise from the Eat Learn Play Foundation to support their programs and show your support. Explore partnership opportunities with Eat Learn Play if you or your organization align with their mission and want to make a difference in Oakland. Share the story of Eat Learn Play with your friends, family, and network to help raise awareness about their work and inspire others to get involved. Stay tuned for the big exciting announcement from Eat Learn Play by following their social media channels and subscribing to their newsletter. The opportunity to create something with two of the all-time great people in the Curries and leverage their networks, their voices, their platforms, and their passions to do good, it was a dream come true. - Chris HelfrichTimestamped summary of this episode:00:00:02 - Introduction, Lori Adams Brown introduces the podcast and the guest, Christopher Helfrich, CEO of Eat Learn Play Foundation, started by Steph and Ayesha Curry. She highlights their impact in Oakland and the foundation's achievements in serving youth, investing in literacy programs, and providing meals.00:03:09 - Chris's Background and Journey, Chris shares his background and how he got involved with Eat Learn Play Foundation. He talks about his previous work with the UN Foundation Against Malaria and his relationship with Steph Curry. He expresses his excitement to work with the Currys and leverage their passion and platforms for social good.00:08:08 - Addressing Social Challenges in Oakland, Chris discusses the social challenges in Oakland, including high costs of living and food scarcity. He explains the work of Eat Learn Play Foundation in the community, such as providing meals and a mobile bus that serves as a free mobile bookstore and market. He emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of literacy and providing resources with dignity.00:14:09 - Partnering with Women and BIPOC-Owned Businesses, Chris highlights Eat Learn Play Foundation's intentional choice to partner with women and BIPOC-owned businesses. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the Currys' commitment to uplifting the community. He acknowledges the complicity in poverty and the need to provide opportunities and resources to those in need.00:15:33 - The Three Pillars of Eat Learn Play, Chris explains the three pillars of Eat Learn Play Foundation00:17:21 - The Importance of Competing and Education, Chris Helfrich discusses how competing in various sports has shaped Stephen Curry's character and the importance of education in the Curry family. The focus on childhood literacy is highlighted due to the high number of elementary school students reading below grade level in Oakland.00:18:57 - The Creation of Eat, Learn, Play, Chris explains the process of developing the focus areas for the Curry Family Foundation. The pillars of nutrition, education, and play are identified as core ingredients for a happy, healthy, successful childhood. The name "Eat, Learn, Play" is chosen to encompass these areas.00:21:09 - Impact vs Legacy, The Currys prioritize making a positive impact rather than focusing on legacy. The foundation aims to address community needs and provide resources where they are most needed. Their focus on impact guides their decision-making and strategic direction.00:22:46 - The Importance of Play, Play is often underestimated in childhood development, but it is crucial for physical and mental health, as well as academic success. The foundation recognizes the impact of play and aims to facilitate active play among children. COVID-19 highlighted the importance of physical play for children's well-being.00:26:44 - Remodeling Schoolyards for Play, The foundation is remodeling schoolyards in Oakland to create safe and inspiring spaces for children to play. The goal is to provide equitable access to quality sports and physical activity. The involvement of children in the design process00:34:26 - Getting Involved with Eat.Learn.Play., Chris discusses how people can get involved with Eat.Learn.Play by donating, volunteering, or supporting their local food banks and schools. He emphasizes the importance of community support and mentions that the Curry family covers all administrative and fundraising costs for the foundation.00:35:34 - Schoolyard Remodels and Volunteer Support, Chris highlights the need for volunteer support in their schoolyard remodel projects. He mentions that they have a couple hundred volunteers who help build these schoolyards, and it provides an incredible experience for those involved.00:36:08 - Inspiring Local Involvement, Chris encourages people to get involved in their own hometowns and support local food banks or schools. He believes that sparking passion for local causes is just as valuable as supporting Eat.Learn.Play directly.00:37:26 - The Power of Dreaming and Eating, Lori reflects on the power of dreaming and how many great ideas are born around tables. She discusses how sitting down to eat can inspire innovation and creativity. Lori also expresses her gratitude for the work that Eat.Learn.Play is doing and the impact they are making.00:38:50 - How to Get Involved and Make an Impact, Lori encourages listeners to visit the Eat.Learn.Play website and explore ways to get involved, both through donations and volunteering. She emphasizes the importance of bringing differences together to make a positive impact in the community and commends Eat.Learn.Play for their focus on childhoodEat, Learn, Play. It's catchy, it says what we're about, and in a way that I think is joyful and playful, which is also how we try to show up for the community. - Chris HelfrichBecome a Difference Maker and enjoy exclusive content. Join our exclusive membership club for as little as $5 USD/month at Difference Makers.**********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to reviewMentioned in this episode:Do you want to go deeper?Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!PatreonJoin Difference MakersJoin us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.PatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you want to see a positive shift within religious communities, addressing the damaging effects of abuse? Are you eager to create change and raise awareness within faith communities? Join us as we welcome guest Sarah Stankorb, who will share the solution to achieving increased awareness and action in addressing abuse within religious contexts. Together, let's work towards a transformative outcome, where the harmful effects of abuse within faith communities are recognized and addressed.My special guest is Sarah StankorbSarah Stankorb is not just a journalist; she's an advocate for the unseen and unheard. Her remarkable talent transcends reporting, establishing her as a genuine voice of change within society. Her work resonates with empathy - sketching heart-touching narratives in renowned publications such as The Washington Post and New York Times. In her latest book, 'Disobedient Women', Sarah unveils the deeply haunting experiences of abuse suffered within faith communities. This isn't the limit of her prowess - with qualifications from the University of Chicago's Divinity School and Westminster College, Sarah brings an enriched, well-rounded perspective to her work. Her compassion and zealThe online reckoning has brought together a community of wounded survivors, revealing the commonality of their experiences and the need for healing and reform within faith communities. - Sarah StankorbIn this episode, you will be able to: Peel back the taboos surrounding exploitation hidden in the folds of religion. Contemplate the societal constructs that endorse gender limitations within evangelical communities. Recognize the long-term impact of abuse masked in the garb of spiritual beliefs. Appreciate the role of online platforms in forging a solidarity among survivors of abuse. Galvanize the need to uplift silenced voices of women, a vital step for inclusive religious spaces. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Pre-order Sarah Stankorb's new book, Disobedient Women: How a Small Group of Faithful Women Exposed Abuse, Brought Down Powerful Pastors, and Started an Evangelical Reckoning on her website or through major online book retailers. Follow Sarah Stankorb on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Threads) for updates on her book release and other writings. Read Sarah Stankorb's articles and essays on women's issues, faith, and culture in publications like the Washington Post, New York Times, Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, and O Magazine. Explore Sarah Stankorb's previous works, including her award-winning article Rape Culture Lives Here. Support the Society of Professional Journalists and the Religion News Association, of which Sarah Stankorb is a member. Consider studying ethics, religion, history, or philosophy at the University of Chicago's Divinity School or Westminster College, where Sarah Stankorb graduated with honors. Reflect on the impact of silencing and the importance of using your voice, inspired by Sarah Stankorb's personal experience with a vocal disorder. Challenge toxic theology and harmful narratives It's long overdue to recognize women in this way that have been trailblazing reform in these faith-based environments. - Sarah StankorbThe key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction, 00:01:22 - Sarah Stankorb's Background, 00:03:00 - Unique Perspective on Religion, 00:06:04 - Personal Experience of Silencing, 00:10:09 - Birth of a Counter Movement, 00:13:58 - Damage to Women in Evangelical Worlds, 00:18:51 - The Intensity of Abuse Paired with Faith, 00:22:31 - The Impact of Spiritual Abuse, 00:26:13 - The Online Reckoning and #MeToo, 00:30:20 - The Revelation of Widespread Abuse, 00:37:36 - The Impact of Silencing Women, 00:38:44 - Lack of Attention to Women Leaving the Church, 00:41:10 - Reasons for the Lack of Attention, 00:42:12 - Ignoring the Issue in Megachurches, 00:53:44 - DBT Therapy and Moving Forward, 00:54:10 - Being a Part of Change, 00:54:45 - Gratitude and Appreciation, 00:55:30 - Crucial Time in the History of the Church, 00:56:10 - Strength in Community, Unmasking spiritual maltreatment within faith communities. The podcast accentuates the worsening impact of abuse once it becomes intertwined with faith. Victims don't face just physical or emotional trauma, but also spiritual distress as their belief systems get manipulated. This unique form of trauma is often neglected and needs equal recognition as other forms of mistreatmentThere's a power in women's stories, in elevating their voices and shedding light on the abuse and marginalization they've experienced. - Sarah StankorbTimestamped summary of this episode:00:00:02 - Introduction, Lori Adams Brown introduces the podcast and guest Sarah Stankorb, highlighting her new book "Disobedient Women" and her work reporting on women's issues, particularly within evangelical communities.00:01:22 - Sarah Stankorb's Background, Sarah Stankorb's extensive background as a journalist and her passion for elevating the voices of those who have been discarded, abused, and marginalized. She discusses her personal experience with being silenced and how it has influenced her work.00:03:00 - Unique Perspective on Religion, Sarah Stankorb shares her unique perspective as an agnostic who loves talking to people about religion. She is drawn to people with different worldviews and uses writing to amplify their voices.00:06:04 - Personal Experience of Silencing, Sarah Stankorb discusses her vocal disorder and the early treatments that silenced her. She reflects on the importance of using her voice and helping others amplify their voices through her writing.00:10:09 - Birth of a Counter Movement, Sarah Stankorb discusses her coverage of women questioning and calling out Christian patriarchy within evangelical communities. She realizes the deeper connection between these women's experiences and the rise of white Christian evangelical nationalism, particularly after the events of January 6th.00:13:58 - Damage to Women in Evangelical Worlds, Sarah Stankorb highlights the damage caused to women within evangelical communities, including the pressure to conform to a00:18:51 - The Intensity of Abuse Paired with Faith, The discussion explores the unique intensity of abuse when it is paired with faith. The concept of abuse being within one's worldview and sanctioned by God adds an extra layer of damage and control. Spiritual abuse can be especially damaging as survivors not only have to recover from the abuse itself but also from the betrayal of their faith.00:22:31 - The Impact of Spiritual Abuse, The conversation delves into the profound impact of spiritual abuse, particularly in the context of faith communities. It is noted that spiritual abuse is often the hardest part to heal from and can involve emotional, verbal, psychological, and financial abuse. The discussion highlights the difficulty of speaking out against abusers who are idolized within religious communities.00:26:13 - The Online Reckoning and #MeToo, The power of the online reckoning, exemplified by the #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements, is discussed. Online platforms have provided a space for survivors to realize their wounds are not solitary, but rather part of a larger community. This collective awareness has exposed systemic problems within institutions and has the potential to drive reform.00:30:20 - The Revelation of Widespread Abuse, The conversation explores how the internet has revealed the pervasiveness of abuse within various communities. Survivors connecting online have realized that their experiences are not isolated incidents but part of a larger systemic issue. This revelation can be both painful and empowering, leading to a loss of trust in institutions and a call for reform.00:37:36 - The Impact of Silencing Women, Silencing women and calling them disobedient when they don't follow man-made rules leads to toxicity in communities. Women have traditionally played a significant role in religious spaces, but they are now leaving in large numbers, signaling a potential decline in faith. This trend should be a cause for concern and addressed in churches.00:38:44 - Lack of Attention to Women Leaving the Church, The departure of women from the church has been a personal obsession for the guest for many years. Despite the significant number of women leaving, there has been a lack of attention and willingness to address this issue. Women's departure means losing a connection to the next generation of believers and the essential glue that holds the community together.00:41:10 - Reasons for the Lack of Attention, The guest is unsure why there is little concern about the departure of women from the church. It could be because some view the departing women as irritating or critical, or it may simply be a lack of care. However, the decline of women in the church should be a cause for panic, not indifference.00:42:12 - Ignoring the Issue in Megachurches, The guest shares her experience of trying to bring up the issue of people leaving the church in a megachurch but being shut down. Some megachurch pastors may avoid addressing this issue because it raises uncomfortable questions about their success and whether they have received God's favor.00:53:44 - DBT Therapy and Moving Forward, The host encourages the use of DBT therapy alongside the discussion to provide comfort during difficult topics. She emphasizes the importance of not turning a blind eye and creating a safe space for future generations. 00:54:10 - Being a Part of Change, The host emphasizes that we have a chance to not be complicit and to actively participate in creating positive change. She invites listeners to join their voices and differences to make a difference together.00:54:45 - Gratitude and Appreciation, The host expresses gratitude for the listeners and their willingness to sit with the pain and suffering, as well as for their support in finding a way forward. She encourages listeners to join the Patreon community for more in-depth discussions.00:55:30 - Crucial Time in the History of the Church, The conversation highlights the significance of the current time in the history of the Church. It encourages those within the Church and those outside of it to come together and help create positive change.00:56:10 - Strength in Community, The host uses the analogy of redwood trees linking their roots underground to emphasize the strength and resilience that comes from community. It encourages listeners to stand together and support each other through difficult times.Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to reviewBecome a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. Mentioned in this episode:Join Difference MakersJoin us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.PatreonDo you want to go deeper?Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!PatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the shocking truth about toxic work environments and the defense mechanism that keeps us blind to the abuse. Join host Lori Adams-Brown as she interviews whistleblower Amy Fritz, who exposes the dark underbelly of a faith-based organization, leaving you questioning who you can trust and what lies beneath the surface of your own workplace.In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the need for addressing unhealthy work conditions prevalent in faith-driven spaces. Grasp how turning a blind eye to betrayal contributes to toxic workplaces. Unearth the complex process of reconciling faith with the practices of Christian authorities and groups. Recognize the extensive impact of harmful work conditions on employees and their families. Know the vital role of opposing maltreatment and backing individuals on their journey of faith. My special guest is Amy FritzMeet Amy Fritz: a champion for people who have found themselves wrapped up in toxic work environments and a tireless advocate for the exposure of complicated coping mechanisms like betrayal blindness. Drawing from her personal journey and deeply-rooted faith, Amy has turned the lessons from her experiences into a brave and confronting podcast, “Untangled Faith”. Here, she illuminates the pervasive issues often hidden in the background of workplaces, offering understanding, solidarity and hope to those battling similar demons. Amy personifies the transformative power of speaking out, keeping her faith at the heart of all she does.The resources mentioned in this episode are: Check out Amy Fritz's podcast, Untangled Faith, for community, encouragement, and anti-gaslighting support for those who have had difficult experiences with toxic work environments and churches. Attend Podcast Movement in Denver in August to meet both Amy Fritz and Lori Adams-Brown, and connect with other podcast hosts and industry professionals. Read Jennifer Fried's book, Blind to Betrayal, to gain a deeper understanding of betrayal blindness and its impact on individuals in toxic environments. Explore the concept of Darvo (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender) coined by the same person who introduced the term betrayal blindness. This can help shed light on manipulative tactics used in toxic environments. Reflect on the potential costs of staying in a toxic work environment or church, such as the loss of income, community, and relationships. Consider seeking professional guidance or support in making difficult decisions. Take steps to recognize betrayal blindness Betrayal blindness can prevent us from recognizing toxic work environments and the harm they can cause. - Amy FritzThe key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction, 00:01:19 - Amy's Background and Podcast, 00:07:46 - Betrayal Blindness, 00:12:36 - Impact on Relationships and Community, 00:14:57 - Amy's Experience with Ramsey Solutions, 00:16:49 - Volunteering Information and Admin Duties, 00:18:35 - Gossip and Negative Feedback, 00:20:00 - Toxic Culture and Cover-ups, 00:22:25 - Resignation and Lies, 00:27:06 - Image Management and Abuse, 00:32:56 - Dave's Endorsement of Timeshare Exit Team, 00:35:29 - Untangling Faith and Trust in Institutions, 00:37:47 - Permission to Question and Leave Institutions, 00:39:42 - Navigating Toxicity in Faith Institutions, 00:42:24 - Amy's Contact Information, Seeing hard things requires making difficult decisions and facing the high costs that come with it. - Amy FritzTimestamped summary of this episode:00:00:02 - Introduction, This episode features guest Amy Fritz, host of the Untangled Faith Podcast. Amy shares her experience of being married to someone who worked in a toxic work environment and how it led her to start her own podcast. She discusses the concept of betrayal blindness and the challenges of speaking out against abuse and toxic environments.00:01:19 - Amy's Background and Podcast, Amy talks about her podcast, Untangled Faith, which provides a community for those who have had difficult experiences with their faith. She shares her own journey of disillusionment with the church and the impact of toxic pastors and plagiarism in sermons. Amy emphasizes her passion for speaking out against unhealthy practices in faith-based spaces.00:07:46 - Betrayal Blindness, Amy explains the concept of betrayal blindness and how it can prevent individuals from recognizing toxic situations. She shares her own experience of betrayal blindness and the fear of losing income and community if she spoke out against her husband's toxic work environment. Amy expresses empathy for others in similar situations and acknowledges the complexity of making difficult decisions.00:12:36 - Impact on Relationships and Community, Amy discusses the impact of toxic work environments and faith organizations on relationships and communities. She highlights the loss of friendships and community that can occur when individuals choose to leave. Amy emphasizes the importance of considering the multiple factors tied to these environments, such as income, friendships, and mutual involvement.00:14:57 - Amy's Experience with Ramsey Solutions, Amy shares her experience00:16:49 - Volunteering Information and Admin Duties, The guest explains how she volunteered personal information and became an admin in a Facebook group for employees and spouses. She describes her role in planning events, meeting new people, and shutting down negative conversations about the company.00:18:35 - Gossip and Negative Feedback, The guest discusses how the company had a policy of firing employees for gossip and only allowing positive feedback. She shares examples of people being fired for raising concerns or posting negative comments on social media.00:20:00 - Toxic Culture and Cover-ups, The guest reveals a situation where a friend of hers was cheated on by a high-ranking company member. The company covered up the infidelity and continued to support the cheater, showing a toxic culture and double standards.00:22:25 - Resignation and Lies, The guest's husband resigns after expressing concerns about the unethical behavior within the company. The company lies to him and implies that his friend, who was cheated on, is not trustworthy. The guest highlights the lies and false narratives perpetuated by the company.00:27:06 - Image Management and Abuse, The guest discusses the toxic culture of image management within the company. She mentions the creation of a sexist trope of a "crazy wife" and how the company fired an employee for being pregnant while covering up infidelity by others. The guest exposes the lies and hypocrisy of the company's values.00:32:56 - Dave's Endorsement of Timeshare Exit Team, Dave endorsed Timeshare Exit Team on his show, claiming they could help people get out of their timeshares. However, it was revealed that the company took people's money without delivering results. Dave continued to endorse them as long as they paid for advertising, raising questions about his credibility and adherence to FTC rules.00:35:29 - Untangling Faith and Trust in Institutions, Amy acknowledges the disappointment and loss of trust that comes from uncovering toxic practices within faith institutions. She encourages listeners to hold institutions accountable and explore alternative communities that align with their values, while still recognizing the importance of being in community with fellow believers.00:37:47 - Permission to Question and Leave Institutions, Amy gives listeners permission to question institutional loyalty and to choose not to become a member of a church. She emphasizes the importance of finding community and learning theology in alternative settings, rather than adhering to traditional structures.00:39:42 - Navigating Toxicity in Faith Institutions, Amy acknowledges that faith institutions across different religions can become toxic and oppressive. She encourages individuals to find pastors and communities that accept their doubts and uncertainties, while still recognizing the love of Jesus.00:42:24 - Amy's Contact Information, Amy can be found online through her podcast, Untangled Faith, and her website. She welcomes further questions and engagement with her work, particularly for those who have experienced toxic workplace environments or want to learn more about whistleblowingEmpathy is crucial when understanding why individuals stay in toxic work environments due to the fear of losing not only income but also their community. - Amy Fritz**********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to reviewBecome a Difference Maker, and enjoy free exclusive content. Join other Difference Makers at Patreon. Mentioned in this episode:Join Difference MakersJoin us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.PatreonDo you want to go deeper?Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!PatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transform toxic cultures and pivot towards emotional health as authors Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer guide churches and institutions through a gritty and transformative process that challenges the quick-fix mentality in creating cultures of goodness.It's gritty and messy, not flashy and glitzy. Making a difference requires deep, transformative change. - Scot McKnightIn this episode, you will be able to: Master the art of fostering emotionally nourishing spaces inside your church or institution. Explore the influence of power and its four prepositions in sparking timely institutional transformations. Understand the vital role of character development in shaping healthier and more efficient environments. Get acquainted with thoughtful strategies and dynamic tools that promise positive change within your organization. Comprehend the intricate process of transformation, emphasizing the importance of long-term accountability and ownership. My special guests are Scot McKnight, Laura BarringerToday’s conversation features Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer, a dynamic father-daughter duo. Scot’s knowledge of the Bible and theology is deeply respected, and his role as the Chair of New Testament at Northern Seminary further enhances that authority. His extensive bibliography includes favorites like “The King Jesus Gospel” and insightful commentaries on James Galatians and First Peter. Laura, an elementary school teacher by trade, has found her voice in writing. She has not only co-authored with Scot but is also making strides in public speaking. Together, their latest book, “Pivot”, explores transformative cultural change in churches and institutions.The resources mentioned in this episode are:It's not about the next biggest hit that we're addicted to. It's about deep work that walks through shame and does repair. - Laura Barringer Purchase A Church Called Tov book Purchase Pivot book Check out Dr. Scot McKnight's other books, such as The King Jesus Gospel and his commentaries on James, Galatians, and 1 Peter Explore the Second Testament Bible translation by Dr. Scot McKnight Learn more about the New Testament chair at Northern Seminary Consider booking Laura Barrringer for speaking engagements Check out the Christian Book Award finalist nomination for A Church Called Tove Explore the concept of Darvo mentioned in the podcast Learn about the three P's in Pivot: priorities, practices, and powers Focus on character development in churches and institutions Take character tests and assessments mentioned in the book Consider the power dynamics in your own church or organization Reflect on how power is used and misused Learn from the example of Oak Hills Church in California Explore Dallas Willard's ideas of transformation Consider reducing church size and budget to focus on transformation Understand the importance of empathy and care in leadership We are delighted to have Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer joining us today. Scot is a revered figure in the world of theology, not just as the chair of New Testament at Northern Seminary, but also as an established author introducing new perspectives on the Christian faith. His latest bible translation, The Second Testament, has been positively received by the community. Laura, Scot’s daughter, is equally accomplished. An elementary school teacher by profession, Laura’s influence extends to the written word. She uses her experiences and insights in extending conversations around church culture. Their collective wisdom in faith-based discussions is mirrored in their latest collaboration, “Pivot”.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction, 00:03:04 - Overview of "Pivot," 00:08:59 - Organizing the Book, 00:10:41 - Addressing Darvo, 00:12:07 - Priorities, 00:16:50 - Understanding Different Types of Power, 00:18:21 - The Importance of Power in Institutions, 00:19:39 - The Role of Character in Business and Leadership, 00:22:00 - Using the Tove Tool for Assessment, 00:27:15 - Challenges in Implementing Change, 00:33:59 - Distinguishing Change, Shift, and Transformation, 00:34:36 - Building a Coalition for Transformation, 00:35:38 - The Long-Term Process of Transformation, 00:36:46 - The Complexity of Transformation, 00:40:17 - Taking Action and Making a Difference, We need character. We need people first. Emotion is good, and it can be used for evil or good. - Scott McKnightTimestamped summary of this episode:00:00:02 - Introduction, Lori Adams Brown introduces the podcast and welcomes back Scott McKnight and Laura Behringer, authors of "A Church Called Tove" and "Pivot." She discusses the impact of their previous book and the anticipation for the new release.00:03:04 - Overview of "Pivot," Scott and Laura explain that "Pivot" is a response to the questions they received after "A Church Called Tove." They discuss the importance of transforming toxic cultures and how their book provides practical steps for change.00:08:59 - Organizing the Book, Scott and Laura discuss the challenge of organizing the book due to the interconnectedness of the chapters. They explain how they developed the priorities, practices, and powers framework for transforming toxic cultures.00:10:41 - Addressing Darvo, Lori brings up the concept of Darvo (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender) and its relevance to the conversation. Scott and Laura acknowledge the difficulty of navigating toxic cultures and emphasize the need for practical guidance, which their book provides.00:12:07 - Priorities, Scott introduces the importance of character development as a priority in transforming toxic cultures. He explains how focusing on character revolutionizes institutions that prioritize productivity and numerical growth. Laura adds that this applies beyond churches to other fields like education.00:16:50 - Understanding Different Types of Power, Scot McKnight discusses the different types of power and how they can impact organizations. He highlights power over, power to, power with, and power for as the four prepositions that define how power is used and how it can transform a culture.00:18:21 - The Importance of Power in Institutions, Scot and Laura emphasize the significance of power in institutions, such as churches and businesses. They believe that power should be used for the good of others and that institutions need to consider power as a priority in order to transform their culture.00:19:39 - The Role of Character in Business and Leadership, The conversation shifts to the importance of character in business and leadership. They discuss how character can make or break a business and the significance of qualities like empathy and listening in creating emotionally healthy environments.00:22:00 - Using the Tove Tool for Assessment, Scot and Laura introduce the Tove Tool, an assessment they developed to help organizations assess where they stand in terms of people-first culture, justice, empathy, and truth-telling. They believe that organizations should assess their strengths and weaknesses in order to work towards creating emotionally healthy cultures.00:27:15 - Challenges in Implementing Change, The conversation delves into the challenges faced when implementing change in organizations, particularly in churches. They discuss how decision-makers and leaders play a crucial role in initiating change, but also acknowledge the difficulty of confronting toxic patterns and the fear of retaliation.00:33:59 - Distinguishing Change, Shift, and Transformation, Transformation is the deepest level of change and requires time, effort, and buy-in from both top-down and bottom-up. Many churches work from the top-down, but building a coalition and fostering listening and learning is crucial for true transformation.00:34:36 - Building a Coalition for Transformation, Building a coalition involves engaging leaders and stakeholders in conversations to create ownership and investment. Persuasion alone won't work. It takes time to build a coalition that extends to the entire system.00:35:38 - The Long-Term Process of Transformation, Transformation is not a quick fix. It requires ongoing work, building small groups and expanding to larger circles, and taking the time to listen and learn from one another. Patience and commitment are essential.00:36:46 - The Complexity of Transformation, Transformation is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires different approaches and strategies depending on the specific context. There is no easy solution, but with dedication and collaboration, change is possible.00:40:17 - Taking Action and Making a Difference, It's up to individuals and communities to take action and make a difference. Reading and discussing the book, joining communities, and acknowledging the problems in our cultures are important steps towards creating positive change.Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to reviewBecome a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. Mentioned in this episode:Join Difference MakersJoin us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.PatreonDo you want to go deeper?Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!PatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jocelyn Chong, the resilient banking industry leader turned emotional health advocate, as she challenges leaders to prioritize self-care, embrace vulnerability, and navigate the central conflict of balancing achievement and well-being on their path to enhanced leadership effectiveness.Nourish your body and mind with good sleep, nourishing food, and healthy habits. Take time to rest, play, and connect with your loved ones. Remember, life is short, don't take things too seriously. - Jocelyn ChongIn this episode, you will be able to: Discover why caring for your own emotional well-being can be a game changer for effective leadership. Uncover the keys to outstanding communication within your diverse team. Realize the vital role of stepping beyond your comfort zone in both your personal and professional evolution. Grasp the significance of keeping pace with our changing world through continual learning and adaptation. Recognize the impact that a strong network of mentorship and support can have on your leadership journey. My special guest is Jocelyn Chong, an accomplished business growth mentor and coach from Australia. Having started her journey in Malaysia, Jocelyn brings a profound understanding of multicultural intricacies to her work. With over two decades of experience leading distinguished teams in banking and finance, she has honed her skills in establishing effective communication across different cultures. Her diverse background combined with her expertise in infusing spirituality within business nurtures her success as a four-time #1 international bestselling author, keynote speaker and certified life coach.The resources mentioned in this episode are: Connect with Jocelyn Chong: Reach out to Jocelyn Chong on her website or social media platforms to learn more about her coaching and mentoring services. On Instagram or LinkedIn Seek out a mentor: If you're a team leader or aspiring leader, find a mentor who has experience in your field and can provide guidance and support. Join a support network: Look for a network or community of like-minded individuals who are facing similar challenges in their leadership roles. This can provide a valuable space for sharing ideas and gaining insights. Utilize Ed's Profiling: Consider using Ed's Profiling or a similar tool to better understand your own behavior and communication style, and how to effectively engage with team members who have different strengths and communication styles. Prioritize self-care: As a leader, it's important to prioritize your own emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. Invest in self-care strategies that will support your overall well-being and enable you to better serve others. Take uncomfortable actions: Remember that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones. Embrace discomfort and take risks in order to achieve your dreams and reach your full potential. Simplify communication: When leading a diverse team, strive to Your dreams are always on the other side of the spectrum where it's uncomfortable. When we can think about that zone, you will always get closer to your dreams when you do uncomfortable things. - Jocelyn ChongThe key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:02:59 - Adapting to a New Country, 00:07:46 - Overcoming Obstacles, 00:12:33 - Connecting with Others, 00:15:57 - Becoming a Strong Leader, 00:18:05 - Importance of Self Leadership, 00:19:30 - Rest and Renewal, 00:23:40 - Finding Balance and Enjoyment, 00:26:24 - Positioning for the Future of Work, 00:31:57 - Leading Ourselves and Others, 00:34:52 - Final Thoughts and Call to Action, 00:35:33 - The Importance of Sharing, 00:35:54 - Wrap-up and Reflection on Jocelyn's Insights, 00:36:51 - Applying Jocelyn's Advice, 00:37:42 - Social Media Interaction, Invest in your own self-care strategies as a leader, prioritize your emotional health, mental health, spiritual health, and physical health. The more you invest in yourself, the more you can give to others. - Jocelyn ChongTimestamped summary of this episode:00:00:00 - Introduction, Host Lori Adams-Brown introduces the guest, Jocelyn Chong, who is a business growth mentor and coach. They discuss the importance of emotional health and happiness in the banking and finance industry.00:02:59 - Adapting to a New Country, Jocelyn shares her experience of moving from Malaysia to Australia and the challenges she faced in adapting to a new culture and working environment. She emphasizes the importance of building a support network and seeking understanding of different cultures.00:07:46 - Overcoming Obstacles, Jocelyn talks about the obstacles she encountered as a 17-year-old in a new country, including building self-confidence and adapting to a different working culture. She highlights the importance of communication and simplifying it across different cultures and age groups.00:12:33 - Connecting with Others, Jocelyn emphasizes the need to connect with the heart and soul of individuals in order to make a difference and touch more lives. She encourages leaders to prioritize their own emotional health and seek support from mentors and networks.00:15:57 - Becoming a Strong Leader, Jocelyn advises team leaders to seek mentors and build relationships with successful leaders who can provide guidance and support. She also suggests finding a support network of peers facing similar challenges and utilizing their insights and strategies for success.00:18:05 - Importance of Self Leadership, Self leadership involves working on our emotional health and taking responsibility for our own personalities and communication. Leaders set the tone and need to prioritize rest and renewal to be effective.00:19:30 - Rest and Renewal, Taking care of our physical and mental well-being is crucial. Good sleep, nourishing food, and regular breaks contribute to making sound decisions, fostering creativity, and maintaining overall health and happiness.00:23:40 - Finding Balance and Enjoyment, It's important not to take life too seriously and to make time for laughter, play, and quality time with loved ones. Taking breaks, practicing meditation or yoga, and exploring new activities can bring joy and rejuvenation.00:26:24 - Positioning for the Future of Work, The future of work will be heavily influenced by digital aspects, such as AI. However, human qualities like empathy, compassion, and creativity cannot be replaced by robots. Embracing change, unlearning old patterns, and being open to new opportunities are key for career success.00:31:57 - Leading Ourselves and Others, Practicing self-leadership and embracing individual differences allows leaders to create an inclusive and innovative environment. Mentoring, having a growth mindset, and valuing human connection are essential for navigating the future and making a positive impact.00:34:52 - Final Thoughts and Call to Action, Jocelyn expresses gratitude for being on the podcast and encourages listeners to share the podcast with others who could benefit from it.00:35:33 - The Importance of Sharing, Jocelyn emphasizes that we get better together by sharing what has helped us and encourages listeners to share the podcast with those who need encouragement or a boost.00:35:54 - Wrap-up and Reflection on Jocelyn's Insights, Lori praises Jocelyn's perspective and applauds her ability to focus on emotional health in the banking and finance industry. She encourages listeners to reach out to Jocelyn for coaching and to follow her work.00:36:51 - Applying Jocelyn's Advice, Lori advises listeners to choose one key takeaway from the conversation and implement it in their lives over the next 30 days. She also encourages listeners to join the Difference Makers community and stay engaged with exclusive content.00:37:42 - Social Media Interaction, Lori invites listeners to share pictures of themselves listening to the podcast and tag the show on social media. She also mentions the various social media platforms where the show can be found and encourages engagement in the Difference Maker community.Become a club member of this podcast, and enjoy free exclusive episodes. Join other Difference Makers at Patreon. **********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to reviewBecome a Difference Maker with others in the club membership of this podcast, and enjoy free exclusive episodes. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. Mentioned in this episode:Do you want to go deeper?Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!PatreonJoin Difference MakersJoin us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.PatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Fortescue, a transformative coach using the Internal Family Systems approach, ignites the path to emotional and spiritual healing by fearlessly embracing the complexities within, prioritizing self-love, and challenging societal norms, all while navigating the compelling conflict between personal growth and society's demand for selflessness.”I've got to love myself. I've got to prioritize myself. If I don't do that, I can't love God and others, and there's no joy.” - Tim FortescueIn this episode, you will be able to: Immerse yourself in the promising philosophy of emotional and spiritual healing via the Internal Family Systems (IFS). Bring to light the significance of honesty and protection in tackling feelings of shame. Celebrate your unique self, embracing the process of self-acceptance and recognizing your worth. Grasp the compelling concept of self-love and its direct correlation with emotional wellness. Embrace the pattern of viewing your emotions and complexities with a lens of curiosity, devoid of any judgment. My special guest is Tim FortescueDr. Tim Fortescue is a seasoned emotional coach with a notable emphasis on spiritual healing. His journey started in South Carolina and took him to working closely with Afghan refugees in the Bay Area for nearly two decades. This rich cross-cultural experience, paired with his doctorate in leadership, drove him into becoming a board-certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) coach. Through IFS, Tim combines the emotional and spiritual aspects of well-being to help individuals become more compassionate and self-aware in their paths towards personal growth.”There are ways that I can speak in this conversation that can bring about change. There's ways I can shut up and listen, but I need to recognize I've got those parts I'm very ashamed of.” - Tim FortescueThe resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit the Ifs Institute website to learn more about the internal family systems (Ifs) coaching system mentioned in the podcast: https://www.ifs-institute.com/ Consider exploring Ifs coaching as a tool for emotional healing and personal growth. Look for certified Ifs coaches in your area or online. Check out the podcast lineup on the A World of Difference podcast to listen to Becky Castle Miller, an Ifs coach, who will be sharing more about the Ifs system and its benefits. Reflect on your own experiences of religious trauma and consider seeking support or therapy to address any unresolved issues. Ifs coaching may be a helpful approach to explore in this process. Take the time to prioritize self-care and self-compassion in your life. Recognize the importance of loving yourself and prioritize your own well-being alongside your commitments to others and your faith. If you are interested in learning more about the work Tim Fortescue has done with Afghan refugees, reach out to him or explore resources on Afghan refugee support organizations in your area. Consider the impact of religious trauma on your own life and explore ways to heal and find joy in your faith. Connect with supportive communities or seek guidance ”It's okay to point in and see the faces inside of us so that we can accept these parts that I'm talking about, and then to see in compassion for ourselves and for others.” - Tim FortescueBecome a member of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other club members of the Difference Makers community of this podcast at Patreon.The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen. Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to just get over it or move on from a traumatic experience or oppressive situation. But despite your efforts, you're still struggling with overwhelming emotions and pain. You're not alone. In fact, ignoring or suppressing emotions can actually make things worse. It's time to take a different approach. Join us in this episode as we explore the profound impact of trauma and oppression on emotional health. We'll help you identify and effectively process emotions for personal growth, and show you the power of community support in overcoming emotional challenges. Let's heal together.In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the significance of emotional health and well-being in our daily lives. Learn to identify and effectively process emotions for personal growth. Explore the profound effects of trauma and oppression on emotional well-being. Delve into the fascinating connection between faith and emotional health. Understand the role of community support in overcoming emotional challenges. My special guest is Becky Castle Miller.Let us introduce you to Becky Castle-Miller, a dedicated PhD student studying the New Testament at Wheaton College, mentored by Dr. Esau McCaulley. Her fascinating research in the Gospel of Luke explores the impact of trauma and oppression on emotions, providing invaluable insights into emotional health and healing. Serving as Discipleship Director at an international church in the Netherlands for nearly a decade, Becky is passionate about promoting emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being within faith communities.The resources mentioned in this episode are: Check out Beth Allison Barr's Substack for commentary on the recent events in the Southern Baptist Convention. Be wary of leaders who claim to support women but have a history of covering up abuse. Educate yourself on the latest scientific research on emotions to better understand the emotions mentioned in the Bible. Consider the impact of trauma on emotions when studying the Gospel. Look into Pete Scazzero's book, Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, for guidance on emotional health. Practice more collective lament and self-reflection as a church to address past and current complicity in abuse and systemic issues like racism and patriarchy. Encourage pastors to gain a deeper understanding of emotions and trauma to better serve their congregations. Seek out resources and tools for emotional, mental, and spiritual health, such as counseling or therapy, support groups, and self-help books. Creating Change in Patriarchal SystemsPatriarchal systems often perpetuate unhealthy norms around emotional expression and communication. To create positive change, individuals must be willing to reject the culture that socialized them and learn new ways to express emotions, listen to others, and understand the values they reflect. Such changes can challenge existing power structures and promote a more equitable environment where all individuals are encouraged to express themselves emotionally, regardless of their gender. Becky Castle Miller argues that creating change in emotional health within patriarchal systems is essential and possible, countering common narratives that separate rationality and emotionality. By embracing the idea that rationality and emotionality are part of the same process, Castle Miller's work provides a strong foundation for reforming faith-based communities to create emotionally supportive environments where everyone can thrive.When we use emotions and interpret them, especially around gender and culture, in ways that are not honest and not informed by multiple perspectives, we get ourselves in the situations that we're currently in. - Becky Castle MillerThe key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction, 00:01:22 - Emotional Health in the Church, 00:06:47 - Abuse and Trauma, 00:10:20 - Research on Emotions in the Gospel of Luke, 00:14:55 - Different Expressions of Emotions, 00:17:15 - The Secular View of Emotion, 00:18:39 - Emotion as a Constructed Concept, 00:22:03 - Emotional Abuse and Gender, 00:27:35 - Gendered Emotion and Emotional Maturity, 00:30:46 - Creating Change in Patriarchal Systems, 00:34:33 - The Need for Change in Faith-Based Communities, 00:35:18 - The Threat to Christian Patriarchy, 00:40:27 - Writing for the Church, 00:43:44 - Emotional Health and IFS, 00:47:22 - Self-Leadership and Curiosity, 00:50:49 - Tips for Overcoming Obstacles, 00:51:58 - Joining the Difference Makers Community, 00:53:24 - Prioritizing Emotional Health, 00:54:31 - Taking Care of Yourself, Prioritizing Emotional HealthEmotional health should be prioritized in the same way physical and mental well-being are valued. Steps to achieving and maintaining emotional health include practicing self-care, seeking support from friends and family, and pursuing professional therapy when needed. Recognizing and confronting emotional struggles and obstacles enables personal growth and emotional resilience in the face of adversity. During the podcast, Becky Castle Miller highlights the necessity of self-leadership and self-compassion in promoting emotional health. Both Castle Miller and Lori Adams-Brown emphasize the importance of acknowledging emotional struggles, as well as the role of community in supporting individuals throughout their emotional journeys. Castle Miller's work sheds light on the pressing need to prioritize emotional health, especially in faith-based communities, to provide a safe and supportive space for everyone.Gendered Emotion and Emotional MaturityEmotions are often social constructs that differ between genders, with women typically being more emotionally expressive, while men are taught to suppress their emotions. In the podcast, Castle Miller discusses how women are frequently tightly emotionally controlled in specific cultures and contexts, particularly within faith-based spaces. Encouraging emotional maturity and expression for all individuals, regardless of gender, empowers people to acknowledge and process their feelings, ultimately leading to improved emotional well-being. From her perspective, Becky Castle Miller emphasizes that faith-based spaces have a long way to go when it comes to addressing emotional health. She encourages men to learn from women's socialization and embrace emotional expression, allowing their voices to be fully heard. Castle Miller's insights underscore the importance of bridging this emotional gap between genders, fostering a healthier environment for everyone in faith-based communities.I think that either way, we pay a price and we get our moments to choose. - Becky Castle MillerThe pipeline works for women. The emotionally healthy pipeline works better for us and we can help, but they aren't letting women. This is very dangerous for the church and for any emotional abuse that can systemically be covered up going forward. - Becky Castle MillerTimestamped summary of this episode:00:00:02 - Introduction, Lori introduces the podcast and the guest for the episode, Becky Castle Miller, a PhD student at Wheaton College studying emotions in the scriptures.00:01:22 - Emotional Health in the Church, Lori asks Becky about her perspective on recent events in the Southern Baptist Convention and how emotional health is important in faith spaces.00:06:47 - Abuse and Trauma, Becky shares her personal experience with abuse and trauma and how it intersects with emotional health and her research on emotions in the Gospel of Luke.00:10:20 - Research on Emotions in the Gospel of Luke, Becky discusses her multidisciplinary dissertation on emotions in the Gospel of Luke and how trauma and oppression may impact the emotions expressed in the text.00:14:55 - Different Expressions of Emotions, Lori and Becky talk about how emotions are expressed differently in different cultures and how emotions are currently being addressed in the church, including the call for more lament.00:17:15 - The Secular View of Emotion, Becky Castle Miller discusses how pastors often embrace Enlightenment rationality while condemning secularism, yet draw their ideas about emotion from secular philosophy rather than from Scripture or current scientific views.00:18:39 - Emotion as a Constructed Concept, Emotions are constructed from concepts, meaning that our minds evaluate a situation and choose and construct the right emotion that fits it. Each culture has its own set of emotion concepts, and emotion and rationality are part of the same process.00:22:03 - Emotional Abuse and Gender, Women are typically socialized to be more emotionally healthy than men, but patriarchal cultures force women to tightly control their emotions and distrust them. This results in women being dismissed when they express emotions, while men are allowed to be demonstrably emotional.00:27:35 - Gendered Emotion and Emotional Maturity, Emotions are socially constructed, and women are socialized into learning to notice, identify, and name their emotions, while men are not. Therefore, women have more emotional granularity than men. Men can have just as much emotional maturity if they learn these skills.00:30:46 - Creating Change in Patriarchal Systems, To create change in patriarchal systems, women need to reject the culture that socialized them and socialize themselves in new ways, where they learn to express and name their emotions and advocate passionately. This will result in rejection by the patriarchal system.00:34:33 - The Need for Change in Faith-Based Communities, Becky Castle Miller discusses the need for change in faith-based communities and institutions to address abuse and complicity. She highlights the importance of courage and prophetic voices in speaking out against injustice and promoting restoration and flourishing for all.00:35:18 - The Threat to Christian Patriarchy, Becky Castle Miller talks about the threat that the expression of women's emotions poses to Christian patriarchy. She references the emotional control that Christine Blasey Ford had to exhibit during the Brett Kavanaugh hearings and the complicity of institutions in protecting themselves.00:40:27 - Writing for the Church, Becky Castle Miller discusses the importance of making scholarship accessible to everyday Christians. She talks about her mentors, Scott McKnight and Isa McAuley, who write solid scholarship that is understandable for lay Christians. She emphasizes the need to write for the Church and make an impact on scholarship.00:43:44 - Emotional Health and IFS, Becky Castle Miller talks about the importance of emotional health and the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework. She shares her experience in the Kineo cohort and mentions that she is an IFS practitioner who does emotion coaching from an IFS lens. She encourages people to be curious about their emotions and process them non-judgmentally.00:47:22 - Self-Leadership and Curiosity, The host encourages listeners to explore their own emotions with self-compassion and curiosity, and to seek support from others if00:50:49 - Tips for Overcoming Obstacles, In this chapter, Lori asks Becky for tips on overcoming obstacles in life. Becky explains the importance of acknowledging emotional health and prioritizing happiness. She also invites listeners to join the Difference Makers community and engage with other listeners.00:51:58 - Joining the Difference Makers Community, Lori encourages listeners to join the Difference Makers community, where they can engage with other listeners and access exclusive podcast episodes. She also explains the different membership levels and rewards, including the chance to vote on upcoming topics and receive a free mug.00:53:24 - Prioritizing Emotional Health, As the emotional health series continues, Lori reminds listeners of the importance of prioritizing emotional health and working towards happiness. She teases upcoming guests, including Jocelyn Chong, a corporate executive coach from Australia.00:54:31 - Taking Care of Yourself, Lori encourages listeners to take care of themselves emotionally and reflect on the topics discussed in the episode. She thanks listeners for tuning in and engaging with the podcast, and encourages them to continue making a difference in their own lives and communities.Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to reviewJoin our Difference Makers community, and enjoy exclusive content. JMentioned in this episode:Join Difference MakersJoin us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.PatreonDo you want to go deeper?Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!PatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join podcast host Lori Adams-Brown in this thrilling episode of A World of Difference as she uncovers the alarming events at the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans, discussing the controversy surrounding women pastors and the issue of abuse within the church. With personal experiences as a woman pastor in the Southern Baptist Convention and a victim of abuse, Lori candidly shares her reaction to what she witnessed. Be warned of potential triggering content. From discussing the use of NDAs to cover up abuse to the need to shift the basic ideas and theology behind the "umbrella authority" structure, this episode unpacks a range of issues affecting the church. With calls to action for listeners to support survivors, encourage whistleblowers and advocate for human rights, this podcast is a must-listen for those wanting to make a difference and bring about change. Let's set aside differences and come together to support survivors and create safer spaces for all.Long SummaryIn A World of Difference, Lori Adams-Brown addresses the Southern Baptist Convention and the difficult subject of abuse allegations and sexism within the church. As a survivor of abuse at the hands of Andy Wood, the successor to Rick Warren at Saddleback Church, Lori has a personal and emotional connection to the issue. She calls out specific men who she does not believe are effective allies and is disappointed by the treatment of women pastors. She invites everyone to join the conversation about making a difference, acknowledging the diversity of her audience. Guests including Dr. Kristen Kobaz Doumet and Dr. Diane Langberg suggest that the convention needs to take a systemic approach to combating abuse and sexism, including the need for women to be involved in diagnosing the problem. The speakers express their sadness regarding the devolution of the SBC from its core theology of the "priesthood of all believers" into limiting women's direct access to Jesus. The podcasts suggest that Echo and Saddleback Church bring in an organization specializing in investigating churches in the wake of abuse allegations to address abuse allegations at a mega church in Silicon Valley. The podcast encourages people to speak out, support survivors, and join the movement for positive change. The speaker emphasizes the need to find a better way to deal with a difficult situation and stop excusing, minimizing, and throwing hands up in the air. Listen to A World of Difference for a raw and powerful conversation about the struggles of making a difference in a male-centric denomination.Timestamps[00:00:02] Disturbing Aspects of the Southern Baptist Convention[00:04:06] Controversy over women pastors in Southern Baptist Convention[00:08:11] Grappling with Abuse and Women in the Church[00:11:35] Abuse Cover-ups in Saddleback and Echo Church[00:15:29] Challenges of Reporting Abuse in Christian Communities[00:19:17] Supporting Trauma Survivors and Female Representation[00:22:38] Questioning Use of Male Allies for Women[00:26:33] Power Abuse in Religion[00:30:15] Rick Warren's Damaging Leadership and Misogyny[00:33:57] Addressing Sexism and Racism in the SBC[00:37:38] Importance of Third-Party Investigation in Abuse Allegations[00:41:30] Call to Ban NDAs and Remove Abuser in Southern Baptist Convention[00:45:19] Empowering Listeners for ChangeEpisode LinksLori on Hagar's Voice podcastLori on Bodies Behind the Bus podcastWomen in the Church series Best Quotes[00:10:12] Women don't need permission from any man, church, or denomination to use a gift that God has given them[Unknown] The controversy around women pastors overshadowed and was used as a distraction to the very prominent issue that should have been front center, which is abuse[Unknown] Using this fight for 'women pastors' has given a lot of limelight, has given a controversy and a stage and an opportunity to speak and make it look as though these men at Saddleback and at Echo Church are for womenOther MaterialsLori's latest Substack Newsletter: Trophy Pastors: How Women are Being Used as a Tool of Distraction From Abuse in the SBCAll Quotes[00:14:21] In order to shift culture, though, it would just take so much. We're talking about power dynamics. We're talking patriarchal structures, theological interpretations that may or continue to enable abuse to occur[00:09:33] A shout out to Robert Douwnen of the Houston chronicle who really broke a lot of this story a couple of years ago[00:01:11] We've seen abuse survivors dismissed and minimized and really just an overall disappointing convention when it comes to abuse[00:08:47] Within the SBC, there's many types of abuse that have taken place. Everything from sexual abuse of adults to sexual abuse of children, boys, and girls. And there's been all kinds of abuse of power that has taken place psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, emotional, verbal, financial, and even some labor abuse that we're starting to really begin to discuss[00:06:57] Women pastors have very much been in the news. Women pastors have been discussed on Twitter. the Theobros[00:04:18] And if you haven't, I don't know if I recommend that you watch it or not because it was pretty intense, but you've probably at least seen some of the news articles coming out about it[00:09:19] But I think what's important is that we acknowledge and address the problem and understand the historical context[00:13:58] I really don't understand why more people aren't talking about abuse prevention, advocating for survivors, human rights[00:07:07] And all types of people along the spectrum of what This means theologically and sociologically, people have been saying all kinds of helpful things and some things that might be triggering to some of you who either are women pastors, believe women should be pastors or are still sort of confused or maybe some of you are just very adamantly against that, that that's not something you believe in[Unknown] The controversy around women pastors overshadowed and was used as a distraction to the very prominent issue that should have been front center, which is abuse[00:03:33] I believe that it takes so many perspectives to help us understand how we can come alongside abuse survivors, how we can come alongside women who've just experienced what so many of us have experienced where so much misogyny, so much discrimination, so much dismissing of women's voice or just the absence of them in a conversation about women by and large being led by mostly men[00:16:42] And so when we're talking about shifting the culture, You would have to shift so many of the basic ideas that exist in some of the theology that has gone back for, you know, a couple last year[Unknown] Using this fight for 'women pastors' has given a lot of limelight, has given a controversy and a stage and an opportunity to speak and make it look as though these men at Saddleback and at Echo Church are for women[00:14:07] The individuals who have worked within the SBC aren't all linking arms to promote change on behalf of these who have been oppressed often by pastors or church leaders and denominational leaders[00:10:12] Women don't need permission from any man, church, or denomination to use a gift that God has given them[00:04:32] Please, if you are somebody who's experienced abuse, feel free to pause this podcast and take it in chunks, feel free to just stop it altogether and never ever listen again. or feel free to just tap, you know, stick your toe in this water and see how it feels[00:00:43] If you have experienced abuse of any kind, Please listen or discretion advised[00:02:36] Having experienced also abuse psychological abuse, emotional, verbal, spiritual, financial abuse at the hands of Andy Wood, who now has been the successor to Rick Warren at Saddleback Church[00:13:10] Even the people saying they're against abuse and against cover up publicly on Twitter, sometimes they're a part of the cover-up, and it's all a lot of smoke and mirrors[00:01:30] It's caused people, I know, personally, women in particular to just grieve and lament and say, what in the actual world is happening here?Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to reviewBecome a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. Mentioned in this episode:Join Difference MakersJoin us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.PatreonDo you want to go deeper?Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!PatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices