Curious Living

Rev. Monica Humpal

Albert Einstein is quoted saying, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity." In this podcast we will explore our curious questions as we unpack these curiosities through the lens of Scripture and our Christian faith. Through thoughtful and engaging interviews with neighbors, pastors, and experts, we will walk through some common, and even challenging, questions while valuing individual perspectives along the way. Perhaps these curious conversations will spark the same holy curiosity in you.

  1. Episode 78: Is my story worth sharing?

    11/01/2025

    Episode 78: Is my story worth sharing?

    We all have a story. Even if we believe our story to be unworthy of sharing, it could be the inspiration, empathy, or comfort that someone needs. Our guest on this episode was delightful and has an incredible story herself! Take a listen and think about how you can share your story! Guest Info After nearly 20 years in business and finance, I had what I can only describe as a divine interruption. God placed it on my heart to write my own book—not just to tell my story, but to leave a spiritual legacy. That single act of obedience unlocked a greater calling: to help others do the same. I founded The 1 and Only Publishing to serve aspiring authors—especially those who feel called to write but don't know where to begin or how to afford it. We help everyday people turn their God-given messages, expertise, and experiences into powerful, professionally published books. And we don't just offer services—we offer support, clarity, and belief when others have said "not yet." My story resonates with faith-based audiences, entrepreneurs, creatives, and purpose-driven people who've been sitting on a message for too long. I can speak to: Finding purpose in a season of transition or loss Building a mission-led business from scratch The practical and spiritual journey of writing a book How ordinary people can create extraordinary impact through publishing My mission is bold—555,000 books in 10 years, in 10 different languages. But it's not about me. It's about equipping others to leave a legacy, reach those they're called to, and fulfill their God-given assignment through the written word.  Called & Courageous Podcast Podcast Hub (Buzzsprout): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526364 Latest Episode: Obedience Is the New Success Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podcast Index | RSS Feed  The 1 and Only Publishing – Official Links Website: https://the1andonlypublishing.com Email: info@the1andonlypublishing.com Phone: 301-798-7685 Social Media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/the1andonlypublishing Instagram: https://instagram.com/the1andonlypublishing YouTube: https://youtube.com/@the1andonlypublishing LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the1andonlypublishing

    38 min
  2. 77: Can our faith heal our trauma?

    10/01/2025

    77: Can our faith heal our trauma?

    More and more adults are realizing that they have experienced trauma in their lives. We may not have realized it at the time. But, now, as adults, we are working through issues, emotions, and struggles and coming to terms wtih the fact that we've carried the burden of trauma for years. Or, perhaps we are very aware that we experienced trauma in our past and are trying to work our way through it while wondering if our faith in God could help us. It's an intriguing question and one that our guest knows all too well. If you have been wrestling with trauma and seeking God in your healing, this is the podcast episode for you. Guest Info: Calvin Bagley was raised in a home where education was withheld, modern medicine was forbidden, and extreme religious beliefs replaced love with fear. He was injected with horse medicine instead of being taken to the doctor. His meals were rationed,and his joy was policed. His education consisted of being taught to read by his older sister afteraccidentally learning the alphabet backwards. His world was one of poverty, abuse, neglect, and secrecy. And yet, he broke free. Today, Calvin Bagley is a nationally recognized entrepreneur and the founder of Nuvo Health, a Medicare-focused company that's helped over 60 thousand people navigate health insurance with honesty and heart. His companies, including The Medicare Store, Medicare Hub, and PlanFit, are transforming the healthcare industry (often known for predatory tactics) by putting people before profits and ethics before compensation. Calvin is the author of Hiding from the School Bus, a memoir that chronicles his journey from hiding in the sagebrush to avoid the school bus to standing tall and building multimillion-dollar businesses, traveling to all 50 states and all seven continents, and thriving with his family grounded in love and faith. Calvin was the seventh of nine children. As an infant, his mother handed him to his teenage sister, saying, "This one's yours."; His sister cared for him as if she were his mother until the age of three, when his father forcibly took him from her arms, shouting, "You are not his mother!"; She was never allowed to touch him again.  He was a perpetual outsider, even facing incredible pain at scout camp, when a group of boys attacked him, wielding cactus-covered sticks. At 19, he left home to serve a mission in Brazil for the LDS Church. This changed the trajectory of his life forever. He returned home determined to change his fate. He self-studied and earned a GED at 21. After bombing a college placement exam, his college applications were all denied, but he talked a college admissions counselor into giving him a trial run as a non-admitted student. He later became the most unlikely college graduate, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).  His story includes pain and trauma, but also many small triumphs that cumulatively shape his life and personality and have led to his resilient nature. He learned to swim at 22, traveled the world as a flight attendant, rose through the ranks at Bank of America from a teller to a Consumer Market Manager, and married the woman he now calls his saving grace. Calvin doesn't just share a story-he opens a door. On the other side of the door is what's possible when you refuse to let your past define your future.

    37 min
  3. 06/01/2025

    73: How can I get my spouse to change for the better?

    When we get married or enter into a long-term relationship, we soon realize the stark differences between ourselves and our mate. The flaws that were invisible to us at the beginning are now, perhaps, all we see. This goes both ways because our significant other sees those flaws in us as well. Couples tend to spend a great deal of energy looking for ways to "change" their mate, when, in fact, they don't have the power to create change in others. So, what do you do? How can you encourage your partner to make positive changes?  Our guest on this episode has written two amazing devotional books that help us answer that question. She is a lovely person who is wise and so incredibly insightful. You will want to listen and take notes! Guest Info Amanda Hayhurst is a Christian author and speaker with a Master's in Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has been featured in Guidepost, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Focus on the Family. She is the author of the best-selling devotionals Pray for Him and Pray for Her, which have helped thousands move from fix and control to surrender and prayer. She has a passion for encouraging others and considers herself a hype woman for other women. She has been married to her husband, Marcus, for fifteen years and gives God all the glory. They cherish every moment spent with their two young boys and adult bonus daughter. You can purchase Amanda's Devotions from Amazon through these links: Pray For Him: https://a.co/d/he3Wcsm Pray for Her: https://a.co/d/3AcIS0q Visit her website here: https://www.amandahayhurstwrites.com/

    32 min
  4. 72: How can we learn to communicate better across our differences?

    05/01/2025 ·  VIDEO

    72: How can we learn to communicate better across our differences?

    In today's world, clear communication feels increasingly challenging. With so many differences and divides among us, it's harder to express ourselves honestly and lovingly while being understood as we intend. This challenge is especially visible on social media, where misunderstandings often deepen the divisions between us. Scripture speaks profoundly to this struggle, particularly in the book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to communicate across divides. In the Christian tradition, we call this moment "Pentecost." This year, we celebrate Pentecost on June 8, 2025. It's a time to reflect on what the Holy Spirit accomplished then—and what the Spirit is calling us to do now to bridge the vast divides in our world. If you'd like to explore the Scripture passages mentioned in this episode, here's the list: Acts 2:1-12 Philippians 2:3-4 1 Corinthians 13:1 James 1:19 Luke 12:12 Galatians 3:28 John 13:35 We concluded the episode with this prayer: Holy Spirit, give us the words to bridge our divides, the patience to listen, and the love to unite us as your people. Amen. Guest Information Rev. Monica Humpal is the host of the Curious Living Podcast, an Associate Pastor at Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church, and a master-certified life coach. Passionate about exploring life's curious questions, she seeks deeper wisdom and understanding in all she does. Monica resides in Davidson, North Carolina, and cherishes the beauty of the outdoors and Scotland's landscapes.

    47 min
5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Albert Einstein is quoted saying, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity." In this podcast we will explore our curious questions as we unpack these curiosities through the lens of Scripture and our Christian faith. Through thoughtful and engaging interviews with neighbors, pastors, and experts, we will walk through some common, and even challenging, questions while valuing individual perspectives along the way. Perhaps these curious conversations will spark the same holy curiosity in you.