Holy Shenanigans

Tara Lamont Eastman
  • 5.0 (23)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Holy Shenanigans shares stories that surprise, encourage, and sometimes even turn life upside down – all in the name of love. Your muse is Tara Lamont Eastman, pastor, podcaster and practitioner of Holy Shenanigans . Join her on a journey of unforgettable spiritual adventure that is always sacred but never stuffy.

  1. The Sacred Lights of Advent Part 2

    DEC 15

    The Sacred Lights of Advent Part 2

    Join pastor and podcaster Tara Lamont Eastman as she explores the sacredness in everyday life during the Advent season. This episode delves into the significance of the Advent wreath, the lighting of the pink candle for Gaudete Sunday, and the story of a special purple and pink stole gifted to Tara. Through personal anecdotes, biblical stories, and inspirational quotes, Tara invites listeners to embrace joy, love, and everyday acts of kindness as we journey toward Christmas. Tune in for blessings, reflections, and a call to celebrate the holy shenanigans of the season. To learn more about Lori Kochanski's weaving, visit here The Poet, Cleo Wade's website is: https://cleowade.com/ Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

    18 min
  2. The Sacred Lights of Advent Part 1

    DEC 1

    The Sacred Lights of Advent Part 1

    Welcome to Season 7 of the Holy Shenanigans Podcast with Tara Lamont Eastman. This Advent-themed episode explores the intersection of faith and art through storytelling, reflections on hope and peace, and poetry. Tara shares a personal story from the AKG Art Museum and introduces the concept of theopoetics—speaking about the divine through the arts. Dive into the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love as we journey through Advent. Featuring insights from theologians Shelly Rambo and Heather Walton, and a poignant poem by Morgan Harper Nichols, this episode invites listeners to pause amid the holiday rush and reflect on the sacredness in everyday life. Show notes: The painting referenced in this episode is Mäntykoski Waterfall’, by Finnish Artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela. Thanks to musician and poet Morgan Harper Nichols for her permission to share her poem, Dark Purple. Gratitude to Theopoets - Professors Shelly Rambo and Heather Walton for their theological resources.  Advent readings: HOPE Light one candle to watch for Messiah. One little flame illuminates the darkness. Little flame, even from a distance, you offer Warmth and welcome, even in our wandering. We set out in HOPE, that God fulfills the promise…   "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." Isaiah 2:3 PEACE Light two candles to watch for Messiah. Two flames shine and give light to help us: see, navigate, and travel safely on our Advent journey. We carry PEACE with us, to gently be led homeward. “The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” Isaiah 11:2 Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

    15 min

  3. NOV 15

    Celebrating Life's Simple Moments: A Thanksgiving Special

    Join Tara Lamont Eastman, host of the Holy Shenanigans podcast, as she welcomes her friends and classmates Kellie Brown and Joni Bouma for a heartwarming discussion about giving thanks. They reflect on small kindnesses, everyday graces, and the beauty in ordinary life. Listen for an inspiring online poetry slam and discover the power of gratitude practices in finding joy and meaning in life's simple moments. Gratitude to Professor and Poet Lynn Domina for her encouragement to read more poetry! Poems Read: Small Kindnesses by Danusha Laméris Mindful  by Mary Oliver The Facts of Life by Pádraig Ó Tuama Gratitude Pillow by Naomi Shihab Nye Song Lyric Reference: 'Look Up' by Joy Oladokun  Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

    32 min

  4. NOV 1

    Light a Candle of Remembrance: A Sacred Pause

    Tara discusses the significance of All Saints Day and different ways to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Tara shares her personal practices of remembrance and introduces listeners to the life and poetry of Welsh poet Ruth Bidgood, who dedicated her work to remembering the people and places of Wales. The episode includes a reflection on Bidgood's poem 'The Pause' and concludes with a poetic response by Tara, encouraging listeners to find meaningful ways to honor their loved ones. Find comfort and hope through remembrance and celebrate the legacy of those who have passed. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

    15 min
  5. From Trick-or-Treat to Communion: Exploring Sacred Community

    OCT 14

    From Trick-or-Treat to Communion: Exploring Sacred Community

    Pastor Tara welcomes Heidi Marsh Stayboldt, artist and founder of Sanctuary & Table. They discuss the intersection of art, spirituality, and the celebration of Halloween. They reflect on the origins of Halloween, emphasizing community, creativity, and remembrance of loved ones. Heidi shares experiences from her travels and the impact of art in her spiritual journey, including a profound encounter in Italy. The episode highlights the importance of embracing fear and using it to foster community and connection. They conclude by discussing the role of creativity and art in enriching spiritual practices and fostering a sense of belonging. Send Tara a Text Message Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out their faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

    45 min

  6. SEP 30

    Holy Shenanigans Live at the Wild Goose Festival 2025: Embracing the Sacred Amidst Life's Messy Middle with Natalie Hamrick & Charles Bretan

    Join Tara in this episode of Holy Shenanigans, live from the Wild Goose Festival. Guests Charles Bretan and Natalie Hamrick, Ph.D. explore how Psalms, songs, poetry, and people help them navigate life's challenges. Hear touching personal stories, powerful poems, and reflective thoughts that inspire hope, strength, and the recognition of holy moments. Engage with a community that values connection, healing, and spiritual growth. Listen to Charles Bretan's insightful podcast A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah! Purchase Natalie Hamrick's book here: Cope by Faith: Partnering With God to Get Through and Triumph From the Cancer Experience Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

    37 min

  7. SEP 16

    Expansive Thinking in a Compression Culture with Charles Bretan of A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . .. . Mitzvah!

    Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman and Charles Bretan of A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah in this live crossover from the Wild Goose Festival 2025. Dive into discussions about the intersection of faith, social justice, inclusion, and intentional living. This episode covers thought-provoking insights on engaging deeply with texts, the impact of compression culture, and personal stories that highlight the importance of curiosity and expansive thinking. Don't miss engaging reflections on A Wrinkle in Time, political and theological commentary, and practical advice for fostering a deeper connection with the divine and with others. Interested in hearing more from Charles? Listen to episodes of A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah here. Send Tara a Text Message Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out their faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

    39 min

  8. SEP 2

    Finding Faith and Resilience through Poetry with Ellen Corcella/Wild Goose Festival 2025

    Join Tara Eastman in this heartwarming episode recorded at the Wild Goose Festival 2025, as she interviews Ellen Corcella, an ordained minister with the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and author of the book Walk with Me. Ellen shares her transformative experience with Mary Oliver's poem 'Wild Geese,' which provided her with hope and clarity during a challenging time in her life. Ellen discusses how this poem, along with her journey through seminary and chaplaincy, led her to understand the importance of witnessing and being a compassionate presence for others. Listen as Ellen reads the powerful 'Wild Geese' poem and offers insights into the spiritual and theological connections she found within poetry. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

    11 min
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About

Holy Shenanigans shares stories that surprise, encourage, and sometimes even turn life upside down – all in the name of love. Your muse is Tara Lamont Eastman, pastor, podcaster and practitioner of Holy Shenanigans . Join her on a journey of unforgettable spiritual adventure that is always sacred but never stuffy.

Information

  • Creator
    Tara Lamont Eastman
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    212
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Tara Lamont Eastman
  • Show Website
    Holy Shenanigans