Charlie Peacock, a Grammy Award-winning music producer and author, shares his vibrant journey in the world of music and creativity. He delves into the challenges of writing a memoir, balancing personal storytelling with public expectations. The conversation explores the profound connection between creativity and spirituality, illustrating how art reflects deeper truths. Charlie also reflects on his heritage and identity, discussing the transformative role of music in shaping who we are. His personal anecdotes reveal music's power as a healing force.

Healing is a profound journey that goes beyond fixing oneself; it's about embracing your true self. Community support is crucial during this non-linear process, reminding us we're not alone. The interplay of emotional and physical wellness highlights how love for ourselves enhances our impact on others. Forgiveness is key, aiding our health rather than merely absolving others. It’s a messy journey, but with intentional choices and the support of relationships, transformation becomes possible.

Join Adam Young, a counselor known for his insights on personal narratives, and Cathy Loerzel, who emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling, as they chat with Dan Allender about the art of story work. They delve into how engaging with personal narratives can heal past traumas and enrich present relationships. Discover why understanding your family of origin is crucial for growth and how childhood stories shape your identity. The conversation invites introspection and highlights the importance of self-compassion in the healing journey.

To celebrate the forthcoming release of The Deep-Rooted Marriage, co-authored by Dan Allender and Steve Call, Dan and Becky Allender reflect on their own marriage story — its unique dynamics, the challenges they’ve faced, and the redemptive journey they’ve walked together.  They open up about how their family-of-origin stories shaped their relationship in ways they didn’t initially realize and the intentional work it took to build new, healthier ways of connecting, particularly over the past decade. Whether you’re married, dating, or reflecting on other relationships in your life, we think Dan and Becky’s vulnerability and hard-earned insights will resonate with anyone who has felt stuck in a pattern or wondered how to move forward toward healing. Their story is a powerful reminder that meaningful growth takes time, courage, kindness, and the willingness to engage your stories — together. Be sure to get your copy of The Deep-Rooted Marriage, available here on Amazon or at your favorite bookseller on January 21, 2025.

Becky Allender sits down with Rachael Clinton Chen for a one-on-one conversation. Becky reflects on how she and Dan have experienced profound transformation in their marriage, particularly since the Allender Center was founded in 2011. It was during this time that they began practicing the fundamentals of story engagement within their own relationship—a journey that not only changed their lives but also inspired the Marriage offerings at the Allender Center.  No matter what season you’re in—whether your relationship is new or you’ve been married for decades like Dan and Becky—there’s always something new to learn. Every step offers a chance to meet one another with greater kindness, compassion, and understanding. Next week, Dan will rejoin the podcast conversation, but today, we hope you enjoy this episode with Becky and Rachael as they share their wisdom and reflections on marriage and connection. Listener Resources: Check out Hidden in Plain Sight by Becky Allender. Read some of Becky Allender's blog posts. Pre-order your copy of The Deep-Rooted Marriage by Dan Allender and Steve Call.  

The discussion delves into the complex nature of hope, revealing it as a resilient choice rather than mere optimism. It emphasizes the importance of balancing patience with the active pursuit of dreams, highlighting how small acts of kindness can foster a sense of connection. The interplay of lament and grief is explored, showing how expressing sorrow can lead to meaningful hope. The speakers also discuss the vital role of community support in healing and encourage listeners to engage in recovery efforts.

As we near the close of the year, Dan and Becky Allender are continuing a podcast tradition: sitting down to reflect on their experiences and inviting you, our listeners, to join them in this meaningful practice. Dan and Becky share their own reflections—what they’ve learned, what they’re grieving, and what they’re celebrating—as they prepare to transition into a new season. They’ve also shared a few practical ways you can reflect on your year: Scroll through your photo gallery. Notice the moments that brought you joy, growth, or even challenge. Review your calendar. Whether you logged your events in a digital calendar or on paper, look back on events and milestones from each month. Do you notice any themes? Choose five words. If you could describe your year in just five words, what would they be? We hope you’ll take a moment as we close out the year to pause, reflect, and dream for what’s to come.      

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s easy to get lost in the comforts of gifts, gatherings, and familiar holiday carols. Yet in today’s podcast, Dan and Rachael remind us that the true celebration of Christmas means embracing the profound disruption Jesus brought to the world—a call to love, bless, and challenge the status quo, even in a world often defined by hatred and division. This conversation invites us to see Christmas as more than a season of comfort. It’s a time of transformation, calling us to step into the work of love, justice, and restoration. Merry Christmas from all of us here at the Allender Center! We’ll take a short break on the podcast next week, and will return on December 27th with a year-end reflection from Dan and Becky Allender.  

As we continue through the season of Advent, this week's episode of the Allender Center Podcast invites you to linger in the profound mystery of light and darkness found in John 1.  Dan and Rachael reflect on the richness of this passage, offering insights into the paradox of the light that reveals all yet remains unseen by many. “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5) Through their conversation, Dan and Rachael explore  why arrogance and dogmatism can obscure even the brightest of truths, how Jesus, the true light, shattered societal and religious expectations of power and hierarchy, and  what it means to embody vulnerability and hope in a world steeped in exploitation and suffering. With honesty and humility, they wrestle with the ways we — individually and collectively — can miss the light of Christ in our midst. Yet, we’re also reminded of the profound hope of the Word made flesh, dwelling among us still.  

As Advent begins, reflections on the opening lines of John's Gospel reveal the profound weight of 'the Word.' Discussions highlight the interplay of light and darkness, encouraging listeners to embrace vulnerability and listen deeply. The significance of words in fostering community support and healing is explored. Personal experiences serving as reminders of beauty and wonder inspire a richer Advent experience, while the importance of genuine communication and connection amid uncertainty adds depth to the season.