Cultivate The Ordinary podcast

#Religion #Christianity #Self-Improvement #Travis and Jessie Vangsnes #Jessie Vangsnes #Society #Relationship #Podcasting Education

1:15:36

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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The great writer Walker Percy gifted the world with an inspiring and thought provoking line with his words: "Consciously cultivate the ordinary." So many of us today find ourselves living in a foggy and disorienting world where we are held captive to hectic schedules, polarizing news narratives, and our addiction to technology. We find ourselves continuously battling things like isolation, anxiety, fear, boredom, and apathy. What if instead of being held captive we could find ourselves captivated? Like children again, living with wonder and awe at the world around us and seeing God's presence more clearly in it. In the ordinary. This podcast seeks to help us all cultivate our ordinary better through inspiring stories, thought provoking quotes, laughter, and lively talks with normal people transforming things in the world around them. We invite you to join us on a fun journey of discovery and curiosity into the ordinary as we look for God's goodness and love through the lenses of joy, wonder, beauty, and hope. About the hosts: Travis and Jessie are passionate advocates for supporting foster care and work for the national org, America's Kids Belong. Travis is an author of two books. Jessie is an artist. They're both Enneagram/marriage coaches, soul care facilitators, and retreat owners at a property called Shiny Eyes Retreats.

41 episoder

Cultivate the Ordinary

updated for 21 dage siden

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41 episoder

#Religion #Christianity #Self-Improvement #Travis and Jessie Vangsnes #Jessie Vangsnes #Society #Relationship #Podcasting Education

Alle episoder

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Why Beauty Should Matter More in Your Daily Life 45:56

for 21 dage siden45:56

45:56

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary Podcast, hosts Travis and Jessie explore the theme of beauty through personal experiences, reflections on a recent cruise, and the evolution of their understanding of beauty over time. They discuss moments of astonishment, the connection between beauty and art, and how beauty can serve as a bridge to deeper understanding and connection with the world around us. Travis and Jessie discuss the profound impact of beauty in our lives, discussing how it can inspire, captivate, and connect us to deeper truths. They delve into the relationship between beauty and art, the importance of imagination, and how beauty can transform our perception of the ordinary. The discussion also touches on practical ways to cultivate beauty in daily life and community, emphasizing that beauty is essential for our well-being and creativity. Travis' book: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Podcast: John O'Donohue- The Inner Landscape of Beauty…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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The Power of Gratitude and How It Can Change Our Lives 24:55

for 5 weeks siden24:55

24:55

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary, host Travis discusses the transformative power of gratitude, especially in the face of personal struggles. He shares his family's recent challenges, including health scares involving his brother, and how these experiences have deepened his appreciation for life's gifts. Through a heartfelt story about his favorite band Carbon Leaf , Travis illustrates the importance of connection and gratitude in difficult times. Times that God is nearer to us than we often feel, and orchestrates gifts and unexpected moments to encourage us in our difficulties. He also shares about the discipline of trying to find more gratitude in the small everyday moments of life. He emphasizes that joy often stems from gratitude and encourages listeners to recognize and cherish the small moments that make life meaningful. Checkout some of Carbon Leaf's music: https://youtu.be/4BItUurqpsw?si=p_dDnDgmJQyAzRGn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlhlHsGE6as Travis's book: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Takeaways Gratitude can spark a sense of aliveness. Personal struggles can deepen our appreciation for life. Connection with others can provide comfort during tough times. Gratitude is a discipline that can be cultivated. Finding joy in small moments is essential. Living in radical amazement can transform our perspective. Gratitude can help us navigate through suffering. The little things in life often become the big things. Being grateful for one thing a day can change our outlook. Joy is rooted in gratitude, not the other way around.…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Living Fully Alive and Being Formed by New Habits 29:15

for 8 weeks siden29:15

29:15

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary, hosts Travis and Jessie discuss their excitement for the new year, reflecting on personal goals and experiences. They explore the concept of bucket lists, the psychology behind New Year's resolutions, and the importance of identity in forming habits. The conversation emphasizes the need for both motivation and structure in achieving personal growth and setting meaningful goals for 2025. In this conversation, Jessie and Travis explore the themes of personal growth, the importance of influential voices, and the necessity of finding what makes one come alive. They discuss the challenges of burnout and the significance of encouraging each other in their journeys. The dialogue emphasizes the need for sustainable structures in life, the power of music and community, and the importance of self-awareness in navigating life's complexities. Resources mentioned in the podcast: book: Atomic Habits: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Season 1 Finale: Seeing the World Through Imaginative and Grateful Eyes with Asher Vangsnes 23:44

for 28 weeks siden23:44

23:44

In this season finale episode, Travis is joined by his son Asher to talk about curiosity and creativity. Asher sees the world so imaginatively and is full of curiosity. He's also brings the gift of gratitude wherever he is and Travis talks about the ways Asher teaches him as his son. The conversation steers around Asher's insights into drawing and creating and ends with questions around his favorite things. This has been a great season of inspiring people, stories, and lives that showcase curiosity, wonder, and looking for God's presence in the everyday. Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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The Keys to Unlocking a Stronger Friendship in Your Marriage 48:21

for 29 weeks siden48:21

48:21

In this episode, Travis and Jess talk about cultivating friendship as a centerpiece to healthy marriages. Travis shares about the importance of humor as a tool that connects, heals, and helps us in all kinds of ways. Jess talks about activities that promote connection, togetherness, and friendship. They both discuss a marriage resource and training they've received through the Gottman Institute that has been immensely helpful in unlocking stuck patterns in their own marriage. They unpack some of the principles from these resources including the biggest predictors of divorce. They share the antidotes to unhealthy patterns and describe the path forward for maintaining connection and growing stronger as couples. Resources mentioned in this episode: Book- Humor's Hidden Power: Weapon, Shield, and Psychological Salve Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Experiencing Grace and Goodness in the Awful Agony of Dementia 31:28

for 30 weeks siden31:28

31:28

In this episode, Travis shares about his journey caregiving for his dad when he had late stage dementia. Alzheimers and dementia are brutal diseases that are rapidly rising globally. So many people know a loved one personally dealing with this tragic struggle. Travis also shares about the beautiful moments and lessons learned that can still be gained if we look more closely and pay attention. Travis' shares how God in his grace gave moments of gifts and that even as his dad lost nearly all functionality he still graced the world with the power of his smile. Travis reminisces about both the immense difficulties involved in caregiving and the heavy emotional toll of seeing a loved one continued to lose more of their world and themselves in a staggeringly slow death. Travis reads an excerpt on a piece he wrote as he was in the grips of dealing with his dad's disease and how writing this piece helped him process. He also offers encouragement and shares some stories on God's grace radiating through even the darkest moments and bleakest times. Sometimes in very surprising ways. We hope this episode can be an encouragement for you in some way as you deal with your own story of a loved one with dementia. Reach out to Travis: Travis' email: travisvangsnes@gmail.com Resourced mentioned in this podcast: Forbes article on dementia Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Reflections on Overcoming Adversity and Uncertainty with Jay Vangsnes 41:34

for 31 weeks siden41:34

41:34

In this episode, Travis and Jess are joined by their oldest son Jay to reflect on life before Jay heads off to college. They talk about fun memories and Jay's unique personality and place in the family. Jay has always been full of charisma and is a natural leader wherever he goes. Travis shares a story about a powerful moment Jay was there for him when he lost his dad. Jess also shares a heartfelt story of the first gift Jay gave her before she became his mom. Jay has overcome a lot of adversity in his young life. Going into foster and then moving from foster care to being part of a transracial adoptive family. Jay is a cycle breaker. (Only 3% of former foster youth go on to achieve a 4 year degree.) He is pursuing a nursing degree at Carson Newman University and won a prestigious scholarship to do volunteer work in his local college community. Jay was featured in a reel for America's Kids Belong sharing about the dire outcomes of kids who age out of foster care without a family. Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Harnessing Our Grief and Cherishing the Lives of Those We’ve Lost 32:10

for 32 weeks siden32:10

32:10

In this episode, Travis talks about facing grief head on and holding space for grieving the loss of loved ones in different ways and with all our senses. He shares about how the loss of his dad over two years ago has been impacting him lately. As hard as grief is, Travis sees it as a conduit of connection to God and others and as a gift that helps us remember those we've lost in sometimes profound new ways. Travis shares some ideas around ways we can cultivate regular rhythms to embrace our grief and also bask in the happy memories and lessons we've learned from those we've lost. This episode is less about prescriptive tips as it is about being real and curious on the subject of death and grief. At the end, Travis reads a piece he wrote honoring the legacy and life of his dad (whose passing moments could only be scripted by God). As always, there will be some thought provoking quotes to consider. Mentioned in this episode: Checkout the podcast Travis is a host on with America's Kids Belong called The Foster Friendly Podcast. Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

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Slaying Shame, Smashing Stigmas, and Mending Mental Health with Dana Adams 56:48

for 33 weeks siden56:48

56:48

In this episode, Travis and Jess are joined by Dana Adams ( LPC-A) to talk mental health, wellness, and soul care. Dana is a licensed, professional counselor associate and has a passion for mentoring women. Dana is very real and honest about her own story when it comes to her own mental health journey and shares her story of finding wholeness and spiritual transformation. Dallas Willard has been an enormous encouragement and teacher for her when it comes to understanding God's redemptive work in our hearts and stories. Dana talks about eventually becoming a counselor and shares about her work in helping mentor young women. She also shares about stigmas around mental health, what some of the biggest barriers are when it comes to mental and emotional healing, and gives helpful thoughts around finding a good therapist or counselor. Dana brings lots of knowledge, grace, and empathy and that shines in this conversation. Resources from this episode: Book: Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ by Dallas Willard Dana's wellness and growth website Follow Dana on Instagram Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Finding Ordinary Inspiration For Writing Fiction with Leah Busboom 49:26

for 34 weeks siden49:26

49:26

In this episode, Travis is joined by Leah Busboom to talk about her writing journey, creativity, and insights around creating and making things, much of which involves courage and just trying. Leah has become an award winning Indie author on Amazon for her fictional romance novels. Interestingly though, she graduated with an MS in Physics and has worked extensively in tech as she was with IBM for 22 years. She continues in an important role in the tech/operations side of America's Kids Belong in the space of foster care. Their conversation involves looking at the fascinating dichotomy between her left brain science/technology thinking and writing fiction as an imaginative right brain exercise. Leah also finds lot of inspiration in creating characters and charting plots through ordinary moments and everyday people she comes across. She shares a touching story about being deeply impacted by a moment in real life that she uses creatively in a story. Travis is well outside of his comfort zone and knowledge talking about romance novels so you may want to listen in just for that entertainment. Leah talks about what romance means at its core and talks about what the most popular current niche romance novels are (you'll never guess it). Checkout Leah's books on Amazon. Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Laughter, Love, and Life Lessons From Five Year Old Dakota Vangsnes 21:56

for 35 weeks siden21:56

21:56

You are in for a treat on this one and a bit of a wild wide with our 5 year old guest. Travis and Jess are joined by their youngest kid "Dak" for a conversation around things like: wonder, Ninja Turtles, scary moments, funny sounds, and playing outside. Dak is full of life and imagination and has never met a stranger in his whole life. You'll hear some funny stories, unique insights and an unexpected prayer from this little guy. It's a strong reminder how much kids are a gift to us all and that their joy, wonder, and child like faith are things that tend to dim in us as we age. But these traits don't have to be lost and leaning into our kids' worlds and seeing the world again through their eyes more regularly is just the medicine most of us need. Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Integrating Faith, Healing, and Waking Up to Belovedness with Julie Dotson 1:12:42

for 36 weeks siden1:12:42

1:12:42

In this episode, Jess is joined by her mom Julie Dotson to talk about her story and journey of navigating suffering and abuse as a child. Despite this, Julie embarked courageously to find healing and has really seen God's goodness and nearness throughout her life. Waking up to her belovedness as a deeply loved child of God is a big theme she talks about. Julie also talks about ways she's learned to put God first and how she's cultivating the habit of communing in his presence in ordinary moments in the everyday. She is actively involved in ministry, spiritual direction, and has a long history of helping others heal from all kinds of troubles whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. She has trained in cranial sacral therapy, art therapy, and now partners with people on their spiritual journey on a soul level. Julie shares how much she's been impacted by the writings of Henri Nouwen and Dallas Willard. Today Julie walks with others she mentors and helps them on their journeys of finding wholeness and healing. Resources mentioned in this episode: Books: Soul Custody: Choosing to Care for the One and Only You Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Learning About Bugs and Seeing God's Grandeur in Nature with Jim Dotson 42:15

for 37 weeks siden42:15

42:15

In this episode, Travis is joined by his father-in-law Jim Dotson to talk about his love of bugs and seeing God in nature. Jim has a deep love of nature and still at age 71 studies it with childlike curiosity. He is an entomologist (insect expert) and worked for many years for Bayer's crop science and pest control departments. He talks about his journey of studying bugs professionally and seeing God's divine handiwork in the complexity of their designs. As the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins once said, "The world is charged with the grandeur of God." Jim shares about his top three "coolest bugs" in the world and why that is. He shares about his hobby of beekeeping and what that all entails. He also shares about becoming a lay pastor in his retirement years and how he continues his journey of learning and discovery in things he's learning in the Bible. If you love nature and exploring and discovering new things in nature, you'll really enjoy this episode.…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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Understanding Chronic Pain and the Mind-Body Connection 47:02

for 38 weeks siden47:02

47:02

In this episode, Jess, a trauma-informed resilience coach and a living testament to overcoming mind-body syndrome and chronic pain patterns shares her experiences in the world of chronic pain and its psycho-somatic nature. Travis shares a funny story about his “pet wheel.” Jess provides answers to the most pressing questions surrounding chronic pain and mind-body syndrome. From the impact of stress on our bodies to the common personality traits that contribute to chronic pain, offers valuable insights and statistics to help listeners gain a deeper understanding of this complex condition. She first learned of this research from Dr. John Sarno in his work at NYU as a back specialist. She also explores the role of self-awareness in managing chronic pain and discusses the mind-body connection and its relevance to healing. With practical tools like the STOP Tool and the Compass Tool, along with the PACE model for resilience and healing, Jess equips listeners with strategies to navigate their pain journey. Through personal anecdotes and stories of individuals who have found relief from chronic pain, she offers hope and encouragement to those seeking an integrated approach to healing. Tune in to this podcast to gain a deeper understanding of chronic pain, the mind-body connection, and the path to resilience when life and pain overwhelms you. 10 daily reminders for healing from Mind Body Syndrome: adapted from Dr. John Sarno’s book “Healing Back Pain” The pain is due to Mind-Body Syndrome, (TMS) not to a structural abnormality. The direct reason for the pain is mild oxygen deprivation and changes in my body due to stress. Mind Body Syndrome (TMS) is a harmless condition caused by repressed emotions. Pain exists to distract my attention from my emotions. Since the body is healthy and normal, there is nothing to fear. Physical activity is not dangerous. It is important to move normally and with out fear. Do not be concerned or intimidated by the pain. Shift attention from felt pain to emotional issues. Aim to be in control, not controlled by the subconscious mind. Think psychologically, not just physically. Things you want to avoid- 5 Fs that make chronic pain worse: 1. Avoid Fear : Recognize and acknowledge any fear surrounding the pain, but don't let it control your actions. Use resources for fear more than pain. 2. Shift Focus : Shift your focus away from the pain and onto positive and enjoyable activities. 3. Avoid Fixing : Avoid trying to fix or solve the pain through excessive medical interventions or treatments. Don’t avoid movement. 4. Let go of Frustration : Practice patience and avoid frustration when progress seems slow. 5. Avoid Fighting the pain or becoming overly resistant to it. Chronic pain is not just a physical phenomenon; it's deeply intertwined with our emotions, experiences, and coping mechanisms. Additional resources from Travis and Jess: Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings Travis' books: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace…

Cultivate the Ordinary

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An Unlikely Story of Healing From Chronic Pain with Danny Smith 1:00:42

for 38 weeks siden1:00:42