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Mystics/Contemplatives Podcast

Ep 246:  Blast From The Past: Hero/Heroine Journey
March 31, 2026

Ep 246: Blast From The Past: Hero/Heroine Journey

Today we conclude our Blast From the Past looking at a literary arc called the Hero/Heroine Journey popularized by Joseph Campbell. Join us as we share how this framework was a helpful part of our spiritual formation. Mentioned in this episode: Brami pasta Rao's sauce Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
E 245:  A Fresh Take On St Patrick’s Day
March 17, 2026

E 245: A Fresh Take On St Patrick’s Day

As we celebrate the legacy of St. Patrick on March 17, we are looking through the perspective of dreams, forgiveness and spiritual innovation. Join us as we revisit a previous episode diving into his mystical life. Some of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
E 209 Modern Contemplatives: Scott Erikson
Jan. 27, 2025

E 209 Modern Contemplatives: Scott Erikson

Send us a text We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality. Today is the artist Scott Erikson. Check out his work at: https://scottericksonartshop.com/ Instagram: Scott the Painter Support the show
E 209 Modern Contemplatives: Waterdeep
Jan. 21, 2025

E 209 Modern Contemplatives: Waterdeep

Send us a text We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality. Today is the band Waterdeep with the music of Don and Lori Chaffer. We encourage you to check out some of their music at https://www.waterdeep.com/ or their youtube channel . Support the show
E 208 Modern Contemplatives:  Barbara Brown Taylor
Jan. 14, 2025

E 208 Modern Contemplatives: Barbara Brown Taylor

Send us a text We are continuing our series exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality. Today is Barbara Brown Taylor. We encourage you to check out some of her writings. Mentioned in today’s episode were Altar in the World and Learning To Walk in Dark . Learn more at https://barbarabrowntaylor.com/ Support the show
E 207 Modern Contemplatives:  John O’Donahue
Jan. 7, 2025

E 207 Modern Contemplatives: John O’Donahue

Send us a text Today we kick off a new series for 2025 exploring the lives of modern contemplatives who have helped shape our spirituality. We start with the Irish poet John O’Donahue. We encourage you to check out some of his writings, particularly To Bless The Space Between Us . Learn more at www.johnodonohue.com Support the show
Ep 179 Contemplative Figures: Brother Roger of Taize
June 25, 2024

Ep 179 Contemplative Figures: Brother Roger of Taize

Send us a text Today we explore a modern contemplative, Brother Roger. Join us as we talk about the inspirational community in Taize, France and how it has captured the imagination of people around the world. Additional Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngA8BFbjrE0 Check out past episodes of exploring contemplative figures: The Contemplative LIfe, episodes 130-136 Sign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/about/newsletter Support the show
Ep 178 Contemplative Figures: Desert Fathers and Mothers
June 18, 2024

Ep 178 Contemplative Figures: Desert Fathers and Mothers

Send us a text Today we talk about the Desert Fathers and Mothers from the 3rd-5th Centuries. Join us as we explore their values of hospitality, storytelling, and the spiritual landscape of the desert. Additional Resources Check out past episodes of exploring contemplative figures: The Contemplative Life, episodes 130-136 Support the show
Ep 177 Contemplative Figures:  Clare of Assisi
June 11, 2024

Ep 177 Contemplative Figures: Clare of Assisi

Send us a text Today we discuss the legacy of Clare of Assisi. Learn how her choices as a young teen continue to inspire people today in the areas of focus, mission and care for the poor. Additional Resources Check out past episodes of exploring contemplative figures: The Contemplative Life, episodes 130-136 Support the show
Ep 176 Contemplative Figures: Ignatius of Loyola
June 4, 2024

Ep 176 Contemplative Figures: Ignatius of Loyola

Send us a text There is much to learn from the lives of contemplative people in history. Today, we explore the legacy of Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Learn how his spiritual exercises continue to influence our modern lives and ways we can apply and adapt for the 21 century. Additional Resources: Pray As You Go app Jesuits Guide to Almost Anything by James Martin, SJ Learning to Pray by James Martin, SJ Support the show
Ep 136 Teresa of Avila: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration
136
Aug. 28, 2023

Ep 136 Teresa of Avila: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration

Send us a text Teresa of Avila was a nun in the Carmelite Order who lived during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. Her life and her writings speak to us about what it looks like to truly find union with God in the midst of our struggle and difficulty. She teaches us that this deep connection with the Divine is not just for the spiritual giants but for all of us. On this week’s podcast, we spend time asking: Is it possible to have a deep and meaningful connection with the Source of all life...
Ep 135 Brother Lawrence: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration
135
Aug. 21, 2023

Ep 135 Brother Lawrence: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration

Send us a text Brother Lawrence, a 17th century Carmelite monk offers us hope for the future and a chance to see how God is present to our lives in the here and now. Join us as we talk about some of the themes from his spiritual practices that continue to inspire us today - how awareness allows us to connect with God in even the most ordinary of things, how it grounds us and reminds us of goodness. In a world where we are constantly being asked to prove how we measure up, Brother Lawrence’s c...
Ep 134 St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration
134
Aug. 14, 2023

Ep 134 St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration

Send us a text St. Thérèse of Lisieux becomes our spiritual companion this week as we talk about how she continues to inspire people yet today with this idea that little acts make a big difference. Have you ever found that one person’s simple act of kindness made your whole day better? On this week’s podcast, we talk about how surprisingly impactful it is when one person’s small gesture winds up increasing our quality of life. Join us as we take delight in the simple joys that St. Thérèse has...
Ep 133 St. Benedict: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration
133
Aug. 7, 2023

Ep 133 St. Benedict: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration

Send us a text On this week’s podcast, we turn to St. Benedict whose life and work offers us a practical approach to living that has influenced many across time. Join us as we talk about how his Rule of Life has helped us find everything from spontaneity to pause, has increased our ability to be more present to this moment now, and has given us a framework for the ongoing journey of life. Allow old words to take on new meaning as we continue our Mystics and Contemplatives series. Additional ...
Ep 132 Hildegard von Bingen: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration
132
July 31, 2023

Ep 132 Hildegard von Bingen: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration

Send us a text On this week’s podcast, we explore the life and work of Hildegard von Bingen, a multi-faceted woman who lived in the Middle Ages and yet continues to inspire people today. Join us as we talk about what it must have been like to have visions at the age of 3, begin convent life at 8 years old, and live in a world where few women were given permission to speak to both lay people and clergy alike. Come along and be in awe with us as we discuss this woman who was speaking about soci...
Ep 131 Julian of Norwich: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration
131
July 24, 2023

Ep 131 Julian of Norwich: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration

Send us a text On this week’s podcast, we take our inspiration from Julian of Norwich, an Epsicopalian nun who lived during the time of the Black Plague. In a season where suffering and trauma were hitting such a large population of people, Julian’s message brought hope. That same message continues to bring comfort and inspiration today as well. Join us for a conversation about what it can look like to stay connected to the Divine, even in the midst of the messy middle. Additional Resources: Boo...
Ep 130 St. Patrick: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration
130
July 17, 2023

Ep 130 St. Patrick: Mystics/Contemplatives Exploration

Send us a text Our exploration of mystics and contemplatives begins with St Patrick, the patron saint both of Ireland and of dreams. Have you ever had a dream that just stuck with you, so much so you felt like maybe it meant something? If so, you have something in common with St. Patrick. On this week’s podcast, we spend time asking: What sort of forgiveness may have been required for St. Patrick to return to a people who had enslaved him for years? We also ask: When did he become interested ...