This Undivided Life

Troy McLaughlin

This Undivided Life Podcast will give you real advice to help make life whole again. Join Troy Mclaughlin, co-host Scott Perkins and guests as we talk real life. We bypass simple platitudes and the generic "just love yourself" gibberish, and dive headlong into the challenges pulling us a million different directions. Life is fractured; from your calendars chocked full of commitments, to the black hole of entertainment in the palm of your hand, and the constant buzz of iPhone alerts. For most of us, the hum of anxiety is always present. You struggle to keep up with life's frenetic pace, social media's comparison game, or the far-fetched promises of our consumer culture. You feel divided, out of sorts, maybe even broken because of past experiences. Here's the good news, we'll talk about ways to combat those feelings; things you can do, habits to break or create, and practices to put in place. If you're looking for gurus, quick fixes, or hacks, this is not the show for you. If you're looking for fellow sojourners, people on a similar journey, you've found your show.

  1. 2d ago

    The Last Book Written by a Human:Jeff Burningham #245

    In this episode, Jeff Burningham discusses the importance of presence, inner work, and embracing the human experience in the age of AI. He shares insights from his book 'The Last Book Written by a Human' and explores how mindfulness, trauma healing, and living in flow can lead to a more meaningful life. Jeff is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, spiritual advisor, and author dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming society. With a deep interest in consciousness exploration and personal transformation, he brings a unique perspective to the ethical and philosophical questions surrounding AI. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and what it means to be human in the era of intelligent machines. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jeff Burningham and the Book 03:44 The Shift to Living in the Present Moment 05:04 Healing from Trauma and Inner Work 06:55 The Illusion of Control and Embracing Change 08:52 The Role of Nature and Grounding in Spiritual Practice 10:47 The Wisdom of the Body and Embodiment 13:11 Relationships as a Path to Self-Understanding 14:57 AI as a Reflection of Humanity 17:00 The Significance of Dying Well and Living Fully 19:00 The Difference Between Wisdom and Intelligence 21:01 The Hero's Journey and Shedding False Identities 23:00 The Power of Inner Peace and Stillness 25:12 The Practice of Asking the Right Questions 27:08 The Challenge of Distraction and Cultivating Awe 29:04 The Practice of Gratitude and Living in Wonder 30:59 Living a Divinely Oriented Life 32:54 The Cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth 35:06 The Sacredness of Everyday Moments 37:02 The Importance of Self-Discovery and Inner Work 38:54 The Role of Meditation and Stillness 41:10 The Impact of Trauma and Healing 42:48 The Power of Play and Childlike Wonder 45:00 Questions About Purpose and Existence 47:00 The Uncertainty of the Future and Embracing Mortality 49:08 The Practice of Gratitude and Appreciation 50:53 The Joy of Returning to Playfulness 53:10 The Significance of Forgetting and Releasing Ego 55:02 Living a Life of Service and Love 56:54 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

  2. Sep 27

    A Love to Live By:Dr. Winfred Neely #244

    In this episode, Dr. Winfred Neely shares insights on living an undivided life rooted in agape love, the importance of intentional relationships, and navigating life's uncertainties with wisdom and faith. We talk about his newset book, A Love to Live By: Rediscovering Agape Love in Scripture Dr. Winfred Neely is an ordained minister of the gospel and was a professor of hermeneutics, homiletics, and pastoral studies at Moody Bible Institute of Chicago for more than twenty years. He is the retired Vice President and Academic Dean of Moody Theological Seminary and Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Biblical Interpretation, and Biblical Preaching. Prior to joining the faculty at Moody, Winfred served churches in the city of Chicago and brings to his ministry a global perspective, having served as a missionary/pastor in Senegal, West Africa, for nine years. He is also involved in a global equipping ministry, speaking and conducting workshops and training events at churches and conferences in the US and abroad. He and his wife, Stephne, have been married for fifty years and have four adult children and ten grandchildren. He takes acting classes from time to time and is an ardent fan of science fiction films such as Star Wars and Star Trek. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Winfred Neely and his work 04:01 The significance of love in Christian life 07:02 The role of intentionality in relationships 09:59 Practicing agape love through small acts 14:54 Handling friction and love in difficult times 20:05 The importance of prayer and spiritual sensitivity 24:58 Learning from past failures and humility 30:03 The biblical foundation of love and responsibility 34:56 The power of obedience and sacrificial love 39:59 Modeling love for the next generation 45:03 Wisdom in navigating life's uncertainties 49:56 Anchoring in Christ during storms 54:51 The importance of family and character in leadership 01:00:11 Living a life of integrity and love 01:04:59 Final thoughts on undivided living and love in action

    A Love to Live By:Dr. Winfred Neely #244
  3. Sep 16

    The Wisdom of Sleep: Brett McCracken #243

    In this episode, Brett McCracken author of The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God's Truth and Revives Weary Souls,discusses how sleep and rest are vital for living an attentive, undivided life. He explores the spiritual and practical benefits of rest, the importance of recognizing our limits, and how sleep impacts our relationships and spiritual well-being. Brett McCracken is a senior editor for The Gospel Coalition and a leading voice at the intersection of faith, culture, and the arts. For two decades he has written articles and books that have helped Christians love the church, understand cultural trends, and engage the arts with thoughtful appreciation and biblical discernment. In recent years his focus has been on how the digital age shapes souls and erodes wisdom. This emphasis began with his influential 2021 book, The Wisdom Pyramid, followed by a co-edited project in 2025, Scrolling Ourselves to Death. His newest book, The Wisdom of Sleep(Zondervan Reflective, 2026), doubles as a theological reflection on rest and a critique of our optimization-obsessed technological moment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The harmony of work and rest 02:14 The spiritual significance of gratitude and everyday moments 05:08 The wisdom of recognizing human limits and God's sovereignty 07:55 The biblical foundation for wisdom and humility 12:01 Sleep's impact on emotional health and relationships 15:05 Living undivided: Presence, attention, and community 17:46 The importance of margin and intentionality in life 22:03 Digital distraction, sleep, and the modern challenge 26:08 The beauty of uncontrollable moments and divine gifts 30:09 Practicing gratitude and trust in God's provision 33:53 Trusting God's sovereignty and living with limits 38:12 The power of small moments and everyday wonder 43:10 Parenthood, presence, and the gift of time 47:49 Seizing grace and living in the moment 51:46 The importance of rest for serving others 56:01 The harmony of work, rest, and divine design 59:00 Conclusion: Living an integrated, undivided life

    The Wisdom of Sleep: Brett McCracken #243
  4. Sep 3

    The Ragamuffin Circus: Dr. Eric Sandras #242

    In this episode, I interview Dr. Eric Sandras founder of The Sanctuary Church, " beautifully messy community where the marginalized, the recovrting, misfits know they belong." We explore the profound themes of belonging, sacred work, and the transformative power of love and grace in ministry and life. Eric shares personal stories, insights on suffering, and practical ways to embody proximity and compassion in a broken world. Dr. E shares profound stories and insights on grace, the human condition, and how to live an undivided life. I along with Dr. E explore themes of suffering, grace, authenticity, and the power of relationships, inspired by Brennan Manning's work and real-life experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 53:46 The Wave of Grief and Gratitude 54:14 Expanding Capacity for Joy 54:40 The Relationship Between Gratitude and Joy 55:07 Joy as a Fruit of Gratitude 55:37 Finding Joy in the Darkest Places 55:56 The Power of Gratitude in Difficult Times 56:26 God's Compassion and Our Response 56:51 The Role of Gratitude in Perspective 57:02 The Impact of Small Acts of Kindness 57:15 The Significance of Transparency and Vulnerability 57:24 The Disruptive Nature of Grace 57:44 Living an Undivided Life: Wholehearted Faith 01:00:26 Proximity and Authentic Relationships 01:01:08 Jesus' Relationship with the Marginalized 01:01:37 Knowing People by Name and Building Trust 01:02:06 The Power of Small Gestures 01:02:41 The Importance of Being Present 01:03:01 Transparency and Vulnerability in Relationships 01:03:29 The Impact of Small Acts of Kindness 01:03:36 The Disruption of Divine Appointments 01:04:06 Allowing God to Interfere in Our Schedules 01:04:26 Living an Integrated Life: Surrender and Obedience 01:04:47 The Role of Faith in Daily Life 01:05:16 Prioritizing Jesus in Every Area 01:05:24 Allowing Christ to Be Preeminent 01:06:12 Living a Life of Wholehearted Surrender 01:06:43 The Role of Recovery and Surrender 01:07:28 Reflections and Closing Remarks key topics

    The Ragamuffin Circus: Dr. Eric Sandras #242
  5. May 28

    The Rescued Becomes the Rescuer:Zahara Seruyombya-Mccoy #242

    In my conversation with Zahara Seruyombya-McCoy, CEO of Children of Grace, we hear her extraordinary story of loss, survival, faith, and purpose. Zahara Seruyombya-McCoy is the CEO of Children of Grace, a wife and mom of three, and a compassionate leader whose own story of loss, faith, and hope fuels her work serving vulnerable children in Uganda. Born in Uganda, Zahara shares what it was like to lose both of her parents as a child and enter a world shaped by poverty, hunger, instability, and survival. She reflects on the resilience that children can develop in the middle of hardship, the sustaining power of faith, and the inner tension of living between the life she came from and the life she was given through adoption in the United States. Our conversation also explores parenting, generosity, empathy, and the life-changing impact of one person choosing to step in. Zahara's story is not just about being rescued — it's about becoming someone who now helps rescue others. Takeaways: 1. Zahara's childhood in Uganda and the loss of both parents 2. How faith helped her endure survival mode as a child 3. What resilience looks like when childhood is interrupted by hardship 4. The contrast between Ugandan and American family life 5. How trauma shaped her parenting and deepened her empathy 6. Why true generosity is an investment in people, not just a donation 7. The story that led her back to Uganda and into leadership with Children of Grace 8. What it means to live a more integrated, less divided life

  6. Apr 18

    The Great Waking Up Sarah Shin & Shin Maeng #239

    In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Shin and Shin Maeng, the author-illustrator team behind The Great Waking Up: The Story of Easter, for a rich and deeply human conversation about hospitality, imagination, faith, beauty, and the courage to keep dreaming. We also talk about the creative process behind The Great Waking Up, and why they wanted to create a children's book that is both theologically rooted and visually stunning. Along the way, we explore the power of art to awaken curiosity, the role of beauty in faith formation, and why children's books can open profound conversations about resurrection, grief, hope, and the story of Jesus. Sarah Shin is a writer, theologian, teacher, and ministry leader whose work brings together theological depth, imagination, and pastoral care. She has studied at MIT and completed advanced theological training at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She also teaches at Westminster Theological Centre in the UK. Sarah is passionate about helping people encounter Scripture with greater wonder, depth, and hope. Shin Maeng is an illustrator and artist whose work is known for its beauty, theological richness, and emotional depth. His art invites both children and adults into deeper engagement with the biblical story. Together with Sarah, he helped create The Great Waking Up, a visually compelling retelling of the Easter story designed to spark imagination and spiritual curiosity. 1. Memorable meals and Turkish food in Scotland 2. Hospitality, restaurants, and finding family through welcome 3. Korean American family life, feeding others, and ministry through meals 4. Belonging begins with curiosity 5. Identity, stereotypes, and being invited to tell your story 6. Dreaming, hope, and the origins of The Great Waking Up 7. From dream to reality: writing, illustrating, and getting published 8. Art, imagination, and 'digital stained glass' 9. Beauty, sacred space, and art as a conversation starter 10. Fear, courage, and taking the next step 11. Collecting 'yes' stories and nurturing hope 12. Dreaming in midlife, parenting, and resisting resignation 13. Waiting, uncertainty, and trusting God in liminal seasons 14. Friendship, Sabbath, and living an undivided life 15. Post-interview reflections

  7. Apr 10

    Getting Through What You're Going Through: Tanner Olson #238

    I welcome back Tanner Olson, a poet and author, to discuss his latest book, Getting Through What You're Going Through. Our conversation delves into themes of presence, vulnerability, and the importance of community. Tanner shares insights from his journey as a father and writer, emphasizing the beauty of ordinary moments and the significance of being present in our lives. We explore how societal pressures can distract us from what truly matters, and how embracing simplicity can lead to a more fulfilling life. Tanner's reflections on grace, kindness, and the power of storytelling resonate throughout the discussion, offering listeners a heartfelt reminder of the importance of connection and compassion in navigating life's challenges. Tanner Olson. is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster. He is the author of five books, including the highly acclaimed collection of poetry, Walk A Little Slower and his latest book, Getting Through What You're Going Through. His writing has been described as "hopefully unique" as it blends faith, humor, and curiosity. Through his work I seek to point readers and listeners toward the ultimate source of hope and love, Jesus. For over 10 years he has been traveling the country sharing poetry, delivering messages of grace, and offering stories of hope. Tanner lives in Nashville, TN with his wife, son, and thier goldendoodle, Pancake. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:10 Tanner's Journey as a Father and Author 04:00 The Importance of Presence and Grace 11:57 Living an Ordinary Life 19:58 The Power of Vulnerability and Community 30:01 Navigating Life's Challenges Together 40:03 The Ripple Effect of Kindness 49:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections Takeaways "I cannot outrun God's grace and I cannot out-fail God's grace." "Ordinary is quite beautiful." "We all have more in common than we think." "This life is a gift and enjoying it is important." "You're not a burden for needing help." "The big things are the small things and the small things really do matter." "We can give each other a little bit of grace as we go forward." "I want to live with joy and steadiness." "We need to remember what it feels like to be invited." "I want to point you to something better, to someone more patient, loving, kind, graceful."

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About

This Undivided Life Podcast will give you real advice to help make life whole again. Join Troy Mclaughlin, co-host Scott Perkins and guests as we talk real life. We bypass simple platitudes and the generic "just love yourself" gibberish, and dive headlong into the challenges pulling us a million different directions. Life is fractured; from your calendars chocked full of commitments, to the black hole of entertainment in the palm of your hand, and the constant buzz of iPhone alerts. For most of us, the hum of anxiety is always present. You struggle to keep up with life's frenetic pace, social media's comparison game, or the far-fetched promises of our consumer culture. You feel divided, out of sorts, maybe even broken because of past experiences. Here's the good news, we'll talk about ways to combat those feelings; things you can do, habits to break or create, and practices to put in place. If you're looking for gurus, quick fixes, or hacks, this is not the show for you. If you're looking for fellow sojourners, people on a similar journey, you've found your show.

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