The Habit

Flannery O'Connor's 100th birthday would have March 25, 2025. In this episode, Jonathan Rogers celebrates the life and work of this remarkable writer in an essay adapted from the introduction to his book, The Terrible Speed of Mercy: A Spiritual Biography of Flannery O'Connor.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Palpant loves, for reasons that become apparent in this episode. On assignment from the Rabbit Room, Ben sat down to interview a few poets. He enjoyed it so much, he interviewed a few more, then a few more. When he had interviewed seventeen poets, he collected those interviews into a book called An Axe for the Frozen Sea. It’s a fascinating look into the minds and hearts of poets who work out of gratitude, out of abundance—sometimes out of grief, never out of grievance.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's episode is an essay, written and read by Jonathan Rogers. "Love, Happiness, and Creativity" begins (and ends) with an idea from Taylor Leonhardt's song "Diamonds"—the theme song for The Habit Podcast: "You are not an afterthought: Love himself dreamed you up."Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Kapic is a professor of theology at Covenant College near Chattanooga. His most recent book is You're Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God's design, and Why That Is Good News. In this episode, Dr Kapik and Jonathan Rogers talk about productivity, shame, gratitude and the truth that finiteness is actually a blessing. Also, they talk about magnanimity and pusillanimity. This week’s episode comes from the archives. This conversation with Kelly Kapic first aired in January of 2022; it’s one of the Habit Podcast episodes I think about the most often.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Peacock, a Grammy-winning musician and producer, shares his rich journey in the music industry and beyond. He discusses his new memoir, touching on themes of identity, success, and the tension between familial expectations and self-approval. Embracing failure and suffering as growth catalysts, he dives into how these experiences reshape authenticity. The conversation also navigates the complexities of fame, the importance of community support, and living with a sense of divine presence in creativity.

Andrew Osenga is a singer-songwriter, a guitarist, a record producer, a podcaster, a writer, and a friend and mentor to countless artists. For twenty years and more, he has been right in the middle of things in Nashville’s creative community. In this episode, recorded live at The Habit 2025 Winter Writers’ Weekend, Andy speaks with Jonathan Rogers about being a jack of all trades, the importance of community, and Andy's journey from bitterness to joy and purpose in his work.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nikki Grimes, an award-winning poet and artist known for her powerful exploration of African American experiences, dives into thought-provoking topics. She discusses the significance of the Harlem Renaissance in shaping identity and creativity. Grimes sheds light on the role of scripture in poetry and how imagination fuels artistic expression. The conversation also touches on the challenges of doubt in art, reflecting on personal growth and community support. With her latest poetry collection, Glory, Too, she continues to inspire and resonate with audiences.

Kori Morgan, author of "Why I Dyed My Hair Purple & Other Unorthodox Stories" and founder of Inkling Creative Strategies, shares her journey of creativity and faith. She delves into the influence of Flannery O’Connor on her work and the significance of flash nonfiction as a way to capture vivid moments. Kori discusses the pros and cons of MFA programs, reflecting on her creative upbringing and the support found in artistic communities. She also humorously reveals the story behind her purple hair, showcasing her unique blend of art and spirituality.

Maria Bowler, a writer and retreat leader dedicated to nurturing imaginative souls, joins the discussion to share insights from her book, "Making Time." She emphasizes the shift from a producer mindset to a creator mindset, advocating for a more fulfilling approach to work. Maria explores the concept of collaborating with reality, viewing challenges as partners in the creative journey rather than obstacles. She also highlights the significance of intention over goals, encouraging authenticity in creativity and personal growth.

Quina Aragon, an author and spoken word poet, shares her journey of faith and storytelling. She discusses the surprising four-year process of writing her book, 'Love Has a Story,' and the deep connection between counseling and writing. Quina explores feelings of being unqualified yet compelled to express her experiences. The conversation highlights the power of vulnerability in creativity and how performing poetry enriches her written work, making it a captivating blend of personal narrative and spiritual insight.