Guest Interviews Podcast

Today we welcome Terra McDaniel to the podcast. Terra inspires us to engage kids in spiritual conversations through her stories and experiences. She offers simple moments and invitations that feel attainable even for toddlers. For those looking to go deeper on this topic, check out her training program and resources listed below. https://www.terramcdaniel.com/ https://www.companioningcenter.org/course/scwc-app-2026 BOOKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Tiny Perfect Things Wonder Walkers Noticing M...

Today we explore the backstory of Ignatius Loyola and how imagination and daydreaming helped him (and others) get in touch with the movement of the Spirit. We are joined by spiritual director, Phoebe Love, sharing her experiences facilitating groups in the Ignatian Exercises as well as her own story of being shaped by meditating on God’s love. Resources mentioned in this episode: Pray As You Go app Inner Compass by Margaret Silf The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien SJ ignatianspirituality.co...

Send us a text Alejandro Rodriguez joins us today to talk about discovering contemplative paths in the midst of a corporate lifestyle. We explore both the healthy and shadow sides of ambition and accomplishment. Learn more about Alejandro’s current work at yesandsc.com Mentioned in this episode What I'm Into: Pie Cookbook - 50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant's Love Letter to the United States. Support the show

Send us a text Legacy Letters Today we discuss Legacy Letters with spiritual director, Robin Clossman. We explore how time reviews and photos can be a gateway into sharing legacies with those we love. These ideas translate to any decade of life. Connect with Robin to learn more at: robin@wcitech.net Support the show

Send us a text Today we wrap up our series on art and contemplative with guest Sarah Bianchi. Join us as we talk about liturgy that first nourishes our own souls and from that deep space then sharing with others. Follow Sarah at: artbysarahkay.com IG: Artbyskay FB: SarahKay Support the show

Send us a text Today we explore photography and how it can be a doorway into contemplative spirituality. As we have increasing access to photos on our phones, we hope this episode inspires you to engage in new ways. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Practice of Contemplative Photography by Andy Karr & Michael Woods Jameshazelwood.net/blog Miksang.com Connect with Ann: usheringgrace@gmail.com https://www.mkespiritualdirectors.com/find-a-spiritual-director https://www.sdicompanions.org/fin...

Send us a text Today we are joined by the Creative Director of Spiritual Directors International, Matt Whitney. We explore the intersection of art, nature, movement and spirituality. To learn more about Matt’s work and his art, connect at matthewwhitney.com or follow on Instagram @mattpwhitney Support the show

Send us a text Join us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with licensed Physical Therapist, Shannon Kunstman. We discuss the importance of integrative body work with spiritual guidance. To learn more, connect with Shannon at https://www.awarenessinmotionpt.com/about Support the show

Send us a text Join us as we explore body-mind-spirit connections with Katie Anders. Katie is a spiritual guide, a trained yoga instructor and also one who recently has entered the process of becoming a nun with a religious order. See how she integrates these various parts of her life and spiritual practice. Connect with Katie at: ktanders1933@gmail.com Support the show

Send us a text We are concluding our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality. Today we are joined by Dave Schmelzer. Dave has been a colleague and friend for almost 2 decades and has been instrumental in helping us grow our contemplative awareness. Check out his work at: https://www.journey-on.net/ https://www.blueoceanfaith.org/ Support the show

Send us a text Today, we are joined by spiritual guide Betsy Gonwa to discuss the intersection of food, spirituality, and health. We hope you find inspiration from her story and the ways healthy eating impacts our daily lives. Learn more at listeningspacemke.com Support the show

Send us a text Today we have the honor of interviewing one of the leaders of Spiritual Directors Europe, an organization that networks and trains spiritual guides across that continent. Join us as Rafael Maria Theuvenet shares about spiritual direction in the Netherlands, as well as other parts of Western Europe. Support the show

Send us a text Today we hear from an interior designer (Carol), bus driver (Chris) and non profit worker (Abbie) about ways they are seeing God show up in their work and everyday lives. We hope you find inspiration in your own life and work. Support the show

Send us a text Today non-profit community director, Justin Markofski, shares insights on what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves. He dives into the delight of deepening our love of God and how that overflows into the community around us. Support the show

Send us a text Today we are joined by Linda Hershberger. Learn how empty nesting, relocation and a cancer diagnosis led her to seeking out training as a spiritual guide for others. Support the show

Send us a text Today we are joined by spiritual guide, Grace Schmelzer. Learn how a recent graduate (less than 2 years) has started her practice and mindsets faced along the way. Additional Resources: graceschmelzer1@gmail.com Support the show

Send us a text Today we are joined by spiritual guidance trainer, Jo Giarrante. Together we explore what Jo has learned in her decades of spiritual guidance ministry and hear wisdom as it relates to her hopes for the future of this work. Support the show

Send us a text Today we are joined by spiritual guide and avid paddler, Becca Langhough. Learn how she combined her love for canoeing, spiritual direction and outdoor adventure. Additional Resources: becca55nb@gmail.com Support the show

Send us a text Today we are joined by Stephanie Spencer, co-founder of the organization 40 Orchards. We discuss the Jewish practice of Midrash, the value of asking questions in community and how to expand our engagement with ancient texts. Learn more at: 40orchards.org Searching the Sacred podcast Support the show

Send us a text Today we are joined by Pastor & Certified Forest Bather, Zayna Thomley. We discuss what to expect in a forest bathing session, the importance of community and nature and how to embrace obstacles that might come with the outdoors. Follow Zayna at: https://wisdom-and-wonder.com/ Support the show

Send us a text Today we welcome Dr. Jan Lundy to the podcast who is talking with us about what it looks like to companion people through their grief. Though grief is something many people find difficult to talk about, it's likely that each of us is experiencing loss continually. Join in as Jan shares with us about what it looks like to stay with someone through their experience of wilderness in ways that help us experience integration and transformation. Because grief isn’t meant to be someth...

Send us a text On this week’s podcast we hear from Tom Buhler, a certified spiritual guide offering mindfulness to prisoners. Tom shares with us about the powerful transformations possible when using mindfulness, particularly in the midst of high-stress situations. Join us as Tom relays how formal practice can lead to shifts in perspective that help us become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations so that we can be more empathetic overall. And don’t forget to check out ...

Send us a text Join us as Dr. Jeanette Banashak shares with us about a new certification program being offered in Outdoor Companioning that has come about as a result of her own lifelong desire to connect with the more-than-human world. Are you a spiritual guide or working in some form of service profession? Outdoor Companioning teaches us how to integrate the natural environment, both in our work lives and in our experience of life overall. Join us as Jeanette speaks about how engaging with ...

Send us a text Join us as Ryan Bauers, Consultant and Organization Development Specialist, shares with us about why self-care is so important in the business environment and how it positively impacts those businesses. Hear about his own journey that led him to finding self-care so important: working to the point of total exhaustion, receiving from mentors who offered him a new trajectory, and now living that out on a daily basis. Do you desire to work in or to lead in environments that feel s...