Jana Spangler, an expert in emotional processing and resilience, shares her insights on understanding and navigating difficult emotions. She emphasizes that emotions are not enemies, but essential signals to guide us. Jana discusses the significance of somatic awareness and how suppressed feelings can harm our relationships and well-being. She offers practical tools for building emotional resilience, encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort for personal growth. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability in fostering authentic connections within communities.

Join McKay Coppins, a New York Times bestselling author and Atlantic staff writer, alongside Bill Turnbull, a Faith Matters co-founder, as they explore two intriguing films: 'Heretic' and 'Conclave.' They dive into how 'Heretic' satirizes new atheism, revealing the complexities of faith and control. In contrast, 'Conclave' brings to life the political drama of electing a new pope, highlighting church dynamics and the tensions between belief and skepticism. Their discussion unveils the evolving portrayal of faith in modern cinema, inviting deeper reflection on spiritual truths.

Tyler Johnson, author and meditation guide, shares a reflective Christmas Eve meditation inspired by his work in Wayfare magazine. He explores the profound emotions of Mary during Jesus' birth, highlighting how love emerges through struggles and sacrifices. The discussion delves into Joseph's journey, capturing his transformation from doubt to divine love as he embraces his new role. Through beautiful music and imagery, listeners are invited to find peace and meaning amid life's challenges, making this a poignant reflection for the holiday season.

Join Lori Forsyth, the Managing Editor of Faith Matters magazine, as she shares her heartfelt reading, 'Shining in Darkness.' She reflects on the true essence of joy during the Christmas season. Lori explores the intricate relationship between joy and adversity, revealing how pain can deepen our appreciation for happiness. She encourages listeners to embrace darkness as part of the journey, reminding us that hope and communal joy shine brightly through struggle. Perfect for a moment of peace in the holiday hustle!

Dr. Janette H. Ok, an Associate Professor of New Testament at Fuller Seminary and ordained pastor at Ekko Church, discusses the vital role of women in religious leadership. She emphasizes how women's voices enrich congregations and shares practical steps for women to embrace their leadership roles. Janette highlights the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in effective communication. She also addresses the challenges of imposter syndrome and the necessity of recognizing diverse contributions in ministry, advocating for collaboration in gender equality.

Joseph Grenny, a renowned social scientist and co-founder of VitalSmarts, dives into the art of navigating tough conversations. He underscores the danger of avoiding emotional dialogues, arguing that it only exacerbates issues over time. With practical tools, Joseph reveals how to communicate openly without jeopardizing relationships, especially when values clash. He also discusses fostering psychological safety to turn conflicts into opportunities and shares how crucial conversations can ultimately lead to healing and deeper connections.

Rebecca Glazier, a Professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, shares insights from her research on how religious communities engage with society. She discusses the transformative power of serving together, emphasizing that meaningful outreach fosters 'congregational warmth.' With young people increasingly eager to volunteer, Glazier highlights the potential of interfaith partnerships to bridge political divides and strengthen communities. Her hopeful message showcases how small acts of service can deeply connect individuals and create lasting community impact.

Hannah Packard Crowther, author of 'Gracing,' discusses her innovative view of grace as an active, co-creative process rather than a passive gift. She offers insights on resilience and creativity drawn from her experience with chronic illness, emphasizing self-compassion and the importance of being present. Hannah also advocates for compassionate support for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ individuals, within faith settings. This heartfelt conversation encourages listeners to redefine grace in their everyday lives and relationships.

In this insightful conversation, Lisa Olsen Tait and Scott Hales, historians and general editors of the Church's Saints series, explore the challenges of chronicling the Church's history from 1955 to 2020. They discuss the importance of transparency and the courageous stories of members navigating pivotal moments, including the priesthood ban and women’s evolving roles. The duo emphasizes storytelling's power in fostering community and how each individual's faith journey is part of a larger, rich history.

In this session, Jared Halverson, a dynamic speaker known for his insights on faith paradoxes, explores the intersection of loving God and loving others. He emphasizes that true discipleship balances a connection with the divine and genuine outreach to neighbors. Highlighting the power of paradoxes, he challenges listeners to embrace differences and find unity amid tensions. With compelling anecdotes, he illustrates the necessity of unconditional love and the complexities of navigating faith's contradictions, all while reminding us that our means must reflect our ends.