Being Known Podcast

In this episode, we trace the journey of repair from the biblical story of Eden to the present-day church. We begin by looking at the rupture in Eden, the first human failure, which sets the stage for the entire narrative of repair in the Bible. The church, we argue, serves as the modern-day extension of God's original plan for renewal, where heaven and earth collide, and where God's work of restoration continues. Yet, this place of healing is also where significant ruptures can occur, often leaving members hurt and disillusioned.   The conversation highlights the delicate balance between idealism and realism when it comes to the church's role in repairing relational fractures. The church, like any human system, is not immune to dysfunction, but it is also the place where God's mission of restoration is most powerfully present. We discuss how leaders in the church must navigate the complexities of repair, creating spaces of safety and vulnerability while also confronting their own wounds. This episode offers listeners a deeper understanding of how spiritual growth and relational healing are inextricably linked, both for individuals and the community as a whole.     * * * Episode Links and References When Narcissism Comes to Church - Chuck DeGroat When the Church Harms People - Diane Langberg Redeeming Power: Understanding Power and Abuse in the Church - Diane Langberg Matthew 18:15-17 John 16:33   Artistic Offerings to Reflect On The Incredulity of Saint Thomas - painting by Caravaggio St. Matthew Passion (BWV 244) by Johann Sebastian Bach  . . . . . Stay connected: Instagram, Facebook YouTube (Unedited videos of each episode AND the Post Show Conversation.) Please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode and we always welcome your reviews on Apple Podcasts.  Sign up to access the Being Known Podcast applications, the weekly exercises that connect what you are learning to your life in a practical way. 

Explore the deep connections between healing and community through the lens of biblical narratives and neuroscience. Discover how ruptures, like trauma and disconnection, impact not just individuals but whole communities. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and collective support in overcoming personal and intergenerational challenges. By sharing real-life stories and emphasizing quantum relationality, the hosts illustrate that repair can ripple through connections, fostering a path to collective healing.

This discussion delves into the art of mending relationships, emphasizing that repair requires both courage and clarity about our roles. The hosts explore the emotional timing involved in healing, suggesting that some wounds need immediate attention while others require patience. They also examine the psychological effects of holding onto grievances and the importance of understanding personal fears during the repair process. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to embrace the rhythm of healing and foster meaningful dialogues.

In this episode, Curt and Pepper dive deep into the crucial first steps of becoming effective repairers in times of relational rupture. We begin with Genesis 3:15 and explore how we can anticipate, prepare, and engage in repair work before the storm hits. It's not about reacting to conflict—it's about preparing in advance to become proactive, mindful, and compassionate repairers of relationships. Through this reflective practice, we explore the timing, tempo, and deep awareness required to anticipate future ruptures with empathy and intention. This preemptive work is necessary to avoid reactive responses and instead cultivate intentional repair.   In the first of this two-part series, the team shares insights into how spiritual practices, like meditation and prayer, can center us before a rupture occurs. They focus on the importance of anticipating moments of tension, embracing vulnerability, and reflecting on how our internal and external worlds influence our approach to conflict. With both empathy and practical tools for co-regulation, they guide us on how we can actively prepare to heal relational ruptures when they inevitably arise. Tune in and take the first step toward mastering the art of preemptive repair.   * * * Episode Links and References Genesis 3:15 – The first mention of God's promise to repair rupture. Deuteronomy – Mention of trust in God rather than in kings, horses, or chariots. Matthew 5:9 – "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Philippians 4:6-7 – Encouragement to meditate on things that are good, true, and beautiful.    . . . . . Stay connected: Instagram, Facebook YouTube (Unedited videos of each episode AND the Post Show Conversation.) Please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode and we always welcome your reviews on Apple Podcasts.  Sign up to access the Being Known Podcast applications, the weekly exercises that connect what you are learning to your life in a practical way. 

Explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape our healing journey. The podcast dives into the powerful connection between communication mediums and personal narratives. It discusses how different methods—like art, writing, or conversations—can alter our perception of pain and resilience. Learn the importance of open dialogue and introspection in navigating interpersonal relationships and emotional ruptures. Discover techniques to transform negative narratives into ones of empowerment, paving the way for genuine healing.

Toxic ruptures don’t just happen in a single moment of conflict—they are built over time through miscommunication, emotional wounds, and the silent grip of shame. Whether it’s an argument that lingers long after words have been spoken, a past hurt that keeps replaying in our minds, or a pattern of avoidance that slowly erodes trust, these ruptures are reinforced by both our interactions and our inner world.   In this episode, we dive deep into how toxic ruptures are created, not just between people, but within our own brains. We’ll explore the neuroscience behind why conflict feels overwhelming, how our nervous system’s response can make repair more difficult, and why shame keeps us stuck in cycles of blame, avoidance, or emotional withdrawal. You’ll learn how unprocessed shame distorts our perception of others, fuels resentment, and makes us more likely to repeat the same destructive patterns in relationships.   Most importantly, we’ll uncover practical strategies to stop toxic ruptures before they spiral out of control. From rewiring our emotional responses and breaking free from rumination to approaching difficult conversations with presence and repair, this episode will help you shift from unconscious creation to intentional healing. If you’ve ever felt trapped in recurring conflict or emotional disconnection, this is your guide to understanding the deeper layers of toxic ruptures—and finally learning how to heal them.   * * * Episode Links and References Psalm 41:9 The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson, MD Alan Schore Dan Siegel - Flipping Your Lid    . . . . . Stay connected: Instagram, Facebook YouTube (Unedited videos of each episode AND the Post Show Conversation.) Please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode and we always welcome your reviews on Apple Podcasts.  Sign up to access the Being Known Podcast applications, the weekly exercises that connect what you are learning to your life in a practical way. 

Saying "no" can feel uncomfortable, but it is a crucial part of growth, both for ourselves and in our relationships. In this episode, we explore the concept of limit-setting ruptures—those moments where boundaries create tension, discomfort, and even distance, but ultimately lead to maturity and deeper connection. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and biblical narratives, we discuss how setting limits helps shape our character, why it's necessary for personal and spiritual development, and how it teaches us emotional regulation. Whether you're a parent setting boundaries for your child, someone navigating addiction recovery, or simply trying to manage your daily commitments, this episode will provide insights into how embracing limits can lead to greater freedom and fulfillment.   We discuss how the brain undergoes "pruning" to refine skills, how children develop emotional regulation through parental boundaries, and how even Jesus modeled the power of necessary separations. We’ll also tackle the emotional impact of limit-setting, from the pain of telling a parent they can no longer drive to the discomfort of quitting unhealthy behaviors. If you want to learn how to set limits in a way that fosters growth, self-control, and deeper relationships, this episode is for you.   Episode Links and References Genesis (Adam and Eve) – The concept of rupture and repair is tied to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, their immaturity, the test they faced, and the consequences of their choices (Genesis 2–3). Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:6-7) – God telling Cain, “Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” This is presented as a test and a moment of rupture. Numbers 34 – God defining the boundaries of Israel, in contrast to empires that constantly expand their borders. John 16 – Jesus telling His disciples, "I must go," explaining that His departure is necessary for the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Interpersonal neurobiology – While not a scripture, this scientific concept is tied to biblical themes of growth, pruning, and discipline (which could be linked to passages like John 15:2, “Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful”).    . . . . . Stay connected: Instagram, Facebook YouTube (Unedited videos of each episode AND the Post Show Conversation.) Please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode and we always welcome your reviews on Apple Podcasts.  Sign up to access the Being Known Podcast applications, the weekly exercises that connect what you are learning to your life in a practical way.     

Human connection is at the core of our well-being, but what happens in our brains when we bond, experience conflict, or work to repair a relationship? In this episode, Curt and Pepper unpack the fascinating neuroscience behind our need for connection, explaining how our brains are wired for relationships and why moments of rupture—whether small misunderstandings or significant emotional breaks—can feel so distressing.   By exploring the science of attachment, listeners will learn how early childhood experiences shape our ability to trust, communicate, and reconnect after conflict. Dr. Thompson dives into how relationships influence brain development, how unresolved ruptures can lead to long-term emotional patterns, and why the process of repair is essential for strengthening bonds. Whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or family dynamics, understanding this rhythm of disconnection and reconnection can help us navigate conflict with greater confidence, foster deeper emotional intimacy, and build lasting resilience.   Episode Links and References The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel Genesis 3 (discussing God walking in the Garden of Eden).    . . . . . Stay connected: Instagram, Facebook YouTube (Unedited videos of each episode AND the Post Show Conversation.) Please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode and we always welcome your reviews on Apple Podcasts.  Sign up to access the Being Known Podcast applications, the weekly exercises that connect what you are learning to your life in a practical way.   

Growth is often born from disruption, and in this episode, we explore how ruptures—whether in relationships, routines, or neural pathways—create opportunities for expansion and integration. We examine the physiological parallels of growth, from bone density to neuroplasticity, and dive deep into the critical role of repair in relationships.   Drawing on longitudinal studies of shy children and the biblical perspective on stress, we illustrate how intentional engagement and attunement pave the way for personal and communal transformation. Curt and Pepper offer person examples to illustrate how the stress of transition, from toddler tantrums to adolescent resistance, can be a gateway to deeper resilience and connection.    . . . . . Stay connected: Instagram, Facebook YouTube (Unedited videos of each episode AND the Post Show Conversation.) Please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode and we always welcome your reviews on Apple Podcasts.  Sign up to access the Being Known Podcast applications, the weekly exercises that connect what you are learning to your life in a practical way.   

Trauma is more than a single event—it is the accumulation of unrepaired ruptures that we carry in our bodies and souls. In this episode, we explore how these ruptures—whether from minor conflicts or deeply wounding experiences—shape our lives and relationships.   Drawing from biblical stories and contemporary examples, we discuss the ways our unresolved pain influences our decisions, interactions, and sense of self. From the silent grief of barrenness in the lives of the matriarchs to modern challenges like road rage and smartphone dependency, we examine the pervasive impact of ruptures.   With thoughtful insights, we point to the hope of repair and the courage it takes to face the cost of healing. This week, Curt and Pepper invite you to reflect on your own journey and consider how God's redemptive work transforms even the most broken parts of our stories.    . . . . . Stay connected: Instagram, Facebook YouTube (Unedited videos of each episode AND the Post Show Conversation.) Please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode and we always welcome your reviews on Apple Podcasts.  Sign up to access the Being Known Podcast applications, the weekly exercises that connect what you are learning to your life in a practical way.