Poema Podcast

This week I'm doing a five-part series on the subject of calling. Calling is a word we use more and more often, but can be misunderstood. In this series I examine various questions/issues/misunderstandings around calling, and how we can discover our own calling. Today I begin with the basic question, 'What Is Calling?'  We talk about it a lot, but what does it actually mean? ***** Calling is this month's #synCREATE topic - what does the word inspire in you? Go make it!

Dr Kate Hendricks Thomas is a health educator & author who has conducted research which proves there is a science to our spirituality. Today I talk with her about the three things her research has shown are required for healthy living - and an evidence basis for spirituality. Hendricks Thomas gives us a fascinating insight into how the brain works. And she shows us some incredible conclusions about how our brains work, and how humans being thrive, which can give us a whole new dimension to our spiritual journeys.  Find more of Kate Hendricks Thomas at at her website www.katehendricksthomas.com, and check out more of her research in her book "Brave Strong True", available online now. 

It's the time of year man of us choose our goals for the coming year. What I've done in recent years is choose one word to give me focus and direction, and which sums up all my goals - and it's had a massively positive impact. So today I share about the #OneWord365 project, how it's impacted my life & how it can benefit you too. I also discuss how whilst plans and goals are good, that often, life is what happens when we're busy making other plans. We must always be open to unexpected circumstances - and often, they can be the real life changing ones.  Finally, I talk about some exciting projects coming this year including future podcasts, upcoming books, synCREATE and more. You can get my two free e-books I discuss at the beginning in the following places: Dance Of The Writer - http://www.jamesprescott.co.uk  Unlocking Creativity - https://www.facebook.com/groups/JamesPrescottWriter/  Have a great new year & join me next week for another interview! :-)

From Dec 21st there will be a little more sunlight coming into the world. Christmas is a story of new hope. It's a symbol of new light coming into a world of darkness. And that metaphor is demonstrated in God's creation. Today on the podcast I reflect on the metaphor of darkness and light, and how this symbol of light in darkness in creation had a life-changing impact on me. And I explore what this metaphor means for you & I, both this Christmas, and beyond. 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens this week. And today is the beginning of an occasional series called 'Geek Spirituality - where I & others explore the connections between spirituality & the stories told comic book movies, sci-fi classics like Star Wars & Doctor Who & others. Today I begin with the world of Star Wars.  Firstly, I talk the spiritual awakening our culture is looking for & why this will help make the movie a success.  Second, I explore the deceit and power of fear - a powerful motif in the Star Wars universe - and the path it can lead down. This leads me to share how, as in Star Wars, love and hope always triumphs - and how this applies in a world where fear is causing violence, war and exclusion of refugees, and potentially some religious groups.

Lisa Delay of the Spark My Muse podcast is my guest today. Lisa is an author, podcaster & communicator, and the co-founder, with myself, of #synCREATE, a collaborative creative community, as well as a friend. She's passionate about inspiring people to discover their creative gifts and discover more of the divine in everyday life.  Today she shares her story, talks about creativity, her creative process, spirituality and living out spiritual disciplines. Lisa has a lot of wisdom to share on all these subjects, so it's definitely worth a listen!  You can find Lisa's work at sparkmymuse.com & she is on Twitter at @LisaDelay - I was a guest on her podcast a few weeks back, so be sure to check it out!

Today I introduce synCreate - a new creative community, where every single person is invited to create art of any kind you like - words, music, painting, drawing, photos, videos, podcasts, blog posts, animation, films - anything - on monthly themes, sharing them in community & with the hashtag #syncreate.  It's a space with freedom to create, a space to have community, a space which invites collaboration between people from different parts of the world, and where we can have fun.  Info referenced in episode:  Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/syncreate     Twitter: @synCreate01 Join us for the first community call/conversation/launch party with cheesy Christmas jumpers on Dec 19th, on blab - go to this link & subscribe to the call:  https://blab.im/lisa-delay-ugly-sweater-christmas-party-syncreate-launch-party This months theme is advent, waiting & longing. Don't just sycroblog - syncreate

Today I have writer & blogger Taylor Duvall on the show. Taylor has a powerful, challenging story to share, which takes in writing, moving from traditional church to a more progressive spirituality, discovering a new life and purpose beyond her divorce at 22, and much more.  Taylor's an amazing person & phenomenal writer, and has so much wisdom & encouragement about spirituality, creativity/writing, and empowering women. You can find her work at taylorduvall.com

Today I talk to podcaster, blogger and pastor Troy McLaughlin about creativity, calling, faithfulness and keeping integrity in our work. Troy shares about his own powerful journey of calling & how it's led him to where he is today, and his online work on Project Pastor. 

Today I'm joined by Sarah Bessey, blogger, speaker & author of the new book 'Out Of Sorts', and 'Jesus Feminist'. Sarah shares her own story of faith, leaving & coming back to the church & finding Jesus in the process.  Sarah & I chat about what it means to have an evolving faith, the importance of doubt, questioning and mystery and why we all need to journey together, not divide ourselves. And how the way of Jesus & the Sprit isn't about steps & formulas, but something much deeper & more mysterious.  It was such fun to chat with Sarah - she's honest, challenging, funny & so inspiring.

What does it mean to be 'evangelical'?  Today I share parts of my own story try to encourage those questioning what is called the 'evangelical church'. And I explore how in fact an 'evangelical' is a type of person, a way of being in the world, not a label, institution, belief system, or religious/political affiliation.

Before we progress in our spiritual journey, there is one big step of faith we have to take....and it's not just about belief. 

Lauren Ward from FeministFaith.com shares her story today. Lauren talks about what she calls 'Christian Feminism', and how her feminist and Christian beliefs have shaped her story and her life choices, including her recent engagement.  Finally, Lauren offers encouragement to all Christian women who are feeling unable to express who they truly are.

We need to have the courage to admit to ourselves, and eventually to others, who we really are, what we really believe and where we are in our journey.  It's time to have the courage to say 'this is how it rolls with me'. And if we do, we'll find freedom, we'll find new life, and we'll realise that, in fact, we're not alone. 

Today I'm joined by multi-genre musical duo Chloe & Taylor Turner, aka Chasing Lovely. Chloe & Taylor share their story, talk about creativity & their own spiritual journey. Plus, there's an exclusive live acoustic performance of the title track from their EP 'Unbridled'.  ('Wolfie' is the collective name of Chloe, Taylor & myself. Keep your eyes peeled for more 'Wolfie' episodes!)

Creativity isn't about money, stats or awards. All art matters - because it exists.

Creativity & Our Subconscious Self