Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

Compass Podcast
  • 4.8 (46)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

Faith and spirituality sometimes leave us with more questions than answers. The Compass podcast shares stories about deconstructing faith, finding meaning, seeking justice, and deepening spiritual connection through contemplative practices and worship. Join fellow spiritual seeker Ryan Dunn in orientating to the Divine presence in the day-to-day through a Christian perspective. A production of United Methodist Communications.

  1. Embracing Embodiment: Spiritual healing after purity culture and patriarchy (181)

    May 27

    Embracing Embodiment: Spiritual healing after purity culture and patriarchy (181)

    Meg Calvin invites us into a bold conversation about embodied spirituality, healing from religious trauma, and reclaiming the wisdom of our bodies. We navigate the critique of purity culture, the impacts of patriarchy in ministry, and how spiritual wholeness arises when we learn to trust our desires and honor ourselves—mind, body, and spirit. Meg shares the inspiration behind her new novel, "There, He Holds Her," weaving together the journeys of two women separated by decades but united in their quest to break free from religious conditioning. Along the way, we dive into practices like emotional body mapping, somatic healing, contemplative grounding, and the power of play for spiritual growth. Whether you're deconstructing old beliefs, searching for holistic faith, or hungry for new ways to connect spirit and body, this episode is for you. About the Guest: Meg Calvin is a coach, minister, and author passionate about helping others claim their desires as sacred, reconnect to their bodies, and experience healing through creativity and playful spirituality. She has empowered countless seekers to move beyond performance-based faith into deeper authenticity and joy. In this episode: (00:00) Discussing Meg Calvin's new novel (03:59) Passion for crafting dialogue (07:29) Critiquing purity culture (11:25) Finding joy in writing and reconnection (15:01) Understanding emotional body mapping (17:28) Connecting with heritage through play (20:36) Naming and expressing hidden anger (24:42) Discussing Heity's beliefs (28:25) Exploring Spiritual Restoration and Reflection (30:54) Pre order bonuses and goodies As always, find related episodes and notes at www.umc.org/compass

    33 min
  2. Leaving the Empire: Lessons from the early Christian desert communities (180)

    May 13

    Leaving the Empire: Lessons from the early Christian desert communities (180)

    Explore the fascinating world of the desert elders with Lisa Colón DeLay, uncovering their history, practices, and relevance today. Learn about early Christian asceticism, forgotten female leaders, and spiritual practices that can inspire modern life. Lisa Colón DeLay is a repeat guest on Compass. We previously talked to her about her book “The Wild Land Within” which is about cultivating wholeness and healing through spiritual practices. She has now released “The Way of The Desert Elders”. Lisa is a coach in spiritual formation and creates products and resources related to spiritual formation. Since 2015, she has produced the Spark My Muse podcast featuring luminaries, authors, and her own work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Desert Elders 02:31 Christian Nationalism and Its Impact 05:44 The Reaction of the Desert Elders 09:14 Life in the Desert: Community and Mentorship 12:40 Transformation Stories of the Desert Elders 16:48 Modern Applications of Desert Wisdom 19:37 The Video Game: A New Pilgrimage Experience 23:12 Further Reading and Resources Find episode notes and other interesting episodes of Compass at www.umc.org/compass

    31 min
  3. An earth-impacting spirituality

    Apr 29

    An earth-impacting spirituality

    What if the lasting impact of faith was not achieving a life in a heavenly place on some other plane, but in living a way that impacts the flourishing of all of the earth? This episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday features a walk-and-talk conversation with Rev. Caleb Cray Haynes. While we walk along a Tennessee greenway, we explore the individual's role in environmental stewardship and the connection between faith and environmental advocacy. Listen for some practical steps for environmental impact and the spiritual significance of creation. In this episode: (00:00) Exploring Creation Care (05:56) Garbage Theology and Environmental Awakening (12:08) Theological Perspectives on Creation Care (18:13) Hope and Action for Environmental Change (24:00) The Connection Between Faith and Environmental Advocacy (30:01) Drawing Closer to God Through Creation Caleb Haynes is an advocate on issues of environmental justice for the church at large and co-founder of Nazarenes for Creation Care, an organization designed to equip the church for engaging in the call to “serve and keep” creation. He’s released the book “Earthbound  Christian”, which asks the question: what if the flourishing life we are made for is not “out there” but “down here” on Earth? Find episode notes and other interesting episodes of Compass at www.umc.org/compass

    43 min
  4. Living Unbound through Spiritual Practices for Healing and Wholeness

    Apr 15

    Living Unbound through Spiritual Practices for Healing and Wholeness

    Therapist, author, and mindfulness practitioner Caroline Vogel talks with us on Compass about what it means to experience grace, be “unbound” from expectations, and foster genuine connection in a distracted age. Through stories, psychology, and spirituality, Caroline explores the challenges of self-compassion, the healing power of community, and the vulnerability found in embracing God’s love. Caroline Vogel is a trauma-informed therapist and writer of "As Yourself: The Sacred Work of Embodying Grace." She has over two decades of experience integrating mindfulness, faith, and psychology. She is passionate about helping people cultivate self-compassion, heal through community, and live more fully in God’s grace. Learn more at carolinevogel.com.

    45 min
  5. The Stations of the Cross: A Spiritual Journey

    Mar 31

    The Stations of the Cross: A Spiritual Journey

    Let's go on a meditative, experiential journey through the Stations of the Cross—an ancient Christian practice reimagined for our everyday lives. In this reflective episode, Ryan gently guides listeners through each pivotal moment of Jesus’s final hours, weaving together scripture, prayer, and powerful questions of the heart. Whether you’re walking, driving, or sitting quietly, this episode invites you to pause, breathe, and engage with the story in a way that connects deeply to your own experiences of fear, pain, grace, and hope. In this episode: (00:00) Stations of the Cross (01:02) Station 1: Praying in the Garden (02:54) Station 2: Betrayed and arrested (04:21) Station 3: Jesus is condemned (06:00) Station 4: Peter denies Jesus (07:42) Station 5: Pilate judges Jesus (09:58) Station 6: Scourging of Jesus (11:04) Station 7: Jesus takes up his cross (12:24) Sation 8: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus (13:21) Station 9: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem (14:42) Station 10: Jesus is crucified (15:45) Station 11: Jesus promised the Kingdom (17:14) Station 12: Jesus speaks to his mother and disciple (18:16) Station 13: Jesus dies on the cross (19:37) Station 14: Jesus is laid in the tomb (20:38) The biblical story becomes our story Full show notes & resources: umc.org/compass Like, subscribe, and share to help more spiritual seekers discover ways to find meaning and connection in everyday moments. Leave a rating or review to support the Compass community!

    22 min
  6. [176] A practice to listen from the heart

    Mar 18

    [176] A practice to listen from the heart

    Compass Podcast host Ryan Dunn walks us through Lectio Divina—meaning “divine reading”—an ancient contemplative practice that goes beyond simply reading sacred texts. Together, we’ll learn how to gently engage with scripture, reflect on what stands out to us, and respond through prayer and contemplation. And it’s not just about reading; we’ll discover how this approach … Continue reading "[176] A practice to listen from the heart"

    14 min
  7. [175] Moving beyond spiritual neutral with Roger Ross

    Mar 4

    [175] Moving beyond spiritual neutral with Roger Ross

    Reverend Roger Ross unpacks what it means to move from being a “kinda Christian” to a committed disciple. Through this episode of Compass, we explore the difference between just being a church member and living as a true follower of Jesus, and learn practical steps to deepen your spiritual journey, especially when you hit those … Continue reading "[175] Moving beyond spiritual neutral with Roger Ross"

    33 min
  8. [174] Spirituality on the street with Rev. Tyler Sit

    Feb 18

    [174] Spirituality on the street with Rev. Tyler Sit

    On this episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn sits down with Tyler Sit, pastor of New City Church in Minneapolis, to explore how faith communities navigate the complexities of politics, crisis, and community care. Set against the backdrop of heightened ICE activity and community unrest in Minneapolis, Tyler Sit shares … Continue reading "[174] Spirituality on the street with Rev. Tyler Sit"

See All (199)

4.8
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

Faith and spirituality sometimes leave us with more questions than answers. The Compass podcast shares stories about deconstructing faith, finding meaning, seeking justice, and deepening spiritual connection through contemplative practices and worship. Join fellow spiritual seeker Ryan Dunn in orientating to the Divine presence in the day-to-day through a Christian perspective. A production of United Methodist Communications.

Information

You Might Also Like