Mindful Leader

Dennis Shaw
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Biweekly

Dennis Shaw is a musician, marathoner (Boston!), retired military officer, math modeler, muse, and United Methodist Pastor. A keen observer of the human condition, he has degrees in music, quantitative methods (don’t ask!), theology and leadership. He will discuss with other leaders how to become engaged and present in our current leadership opportunities. Critical to leadership is strong self-awareness. Becoming authentic, empathetic, and aware will form the framework of all discussions. You can access and follow this podcast on Apple, Podbean, Spotify and Amazon Music.

  1. 1d ago

    Christian Nationalism: Setting the Stage, Episode 1 of 6 Episodes

    In this episode of the Mindful Leader podcast, Dennis outlines a six-part series exploring Christian nationalism through historical, theological, and practical lenses. He defines Christian nationalism, offers real-world examples, and previews upcoming episodes. Episode one (this episode) sets the stage and introduces the topic and framework. Episode two presents the strongest defense of Christian nationalism Shaw can offer, using a “steel man” approach. Using a "steel man" is an attempt to look at an issue in the fairest, clearest fashion.   Episode three develops a scriptural lens around the question of the Bonhoeffer Question:  "Who  is Jesus Christ for us today?" Episode four considers Bonhoeffer and Germany. Shaw sees possible lessons, but said the guardrails in the 21st Century United States are high and that conditions in Germany from 1933 to 1945 will not automatically recur in the United States. Episode five considers pluralism in a Christian-nationalist nation and will serve in part as a response to episode two, drawing on episodes three and four. Episode six brings the series together around bearing witness to God’s love without privilege or imposition. The release schedule will be as they are ready but not less than weekly.   Shaw also briefly discusses his book, The Slow Work of Trust, and invites listeners to follow the series, provide feedback, and learn more through show notes and his website. Dennis email is HERE.  (And for listeners whose Podcast app blocks email addrsses:  dennis at mantuan dot org, yes?) Slow Work of Trust Website is HERE.   Reformation Day Message from the White House, October 31, 2026 is HERE. (Not a direct indication that Christian Nationalist Barbarians are at the gate, but a cautionary tale in paying closer attention to history and writing.  The National Review article Dennis mentions is behind a paywall.) Infographic of the series is HERE. Let me know if it helps any.  AI produced.   This was a hard episode to get produced.  This is version number 3.

  2. Oct 17

    Michael Smith: A Leader’s Guide to Mindful Communication

    Join Dennis Shaw, host of Mindful Leader, as he engages in a compelling conversation with clergy leader Michael Smith of the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. They discuss a simple four-part framework for clearer leadership communication: purpose, audience, genre, and context. They use stories from preaching, teaching, and everyday life to show how a brief pause to name the why, who, how, and where can change how you lead. The episode offers practical wisdom—write it on a post-it, reflect for 30 seconds, and let mindfulness shape how you prepare memos, meetings, sermons, or any message. Share if this speaks to you! Slow Work of Trust (Dennis new book) can be explored HERE.   Dennis email is HERE with his profile HERE.   Michael first visit to Mindful Leader (on Soulcare) is HERE.  Michael brief profile is HERE.

  3. Oct 4

    Mindful Leader is Back!

    Dennis Shaw returns to the Mindful Leader podcast to introduce a new season focused on church leadership for clergy and laity, the Slow Work of Trust (a new book, see below), and careful conversations about difficult topics like antisemitism and Christian nationalism. Episodes will feature solo reflections, guest dialogues, and occasional classes (including a Bonhoeffer series), with new episodes planned for the first and third Mondays of each month. Dennis new book is Slow Work of Trust -- self published through Amazon.  You can find more about it HERE.   Dennis email is HERE.

  4. 08/25/2025

    First, Love Your Congregation Where They Are

    Dennis Shaw offers a short reflection on a guiding principle and is the start of a series on more personal observations on church leadership.   The session is a reflective leadership discussion, centered on a core guiding principle: love your congregation where they are. The discussion challenges the notion of “fixing” a congregation, emphasizes the plurality of community, trust-building, and leadership as presence and listening rather than control. Dennis can be reached at dennis at mantuan dot org (for the Apple users) or HERE for others.  Smile.   Richard Rohr website is HERE and is excellent.  There is a daily meditation available and the comments on this podcast were drawn from the meditation for August 25, 2025. Dennis apologizes for having "been away" but he is back.  The podcast is still a work in progress.  Peace.

  5. 06/10/2025

    Dennis Shaw: A Prayerful Look at a Mountain Sky Conference Resolution

    This is my take on a resolution we will be voting on at our Annual Conference.   I am not sure if it has an extended shelf life.  I might bring it down after it serves its purpose.   This is simply an attempt to explain, in more time than I would have on Thursday, why I find a particular resolution problematic.  The resolution is HERE.

  6. 04/14/2025

    "This is Water" and our Default Settings

    In this episode of Mindful Leader, host Dennis Shaw explores the human tendency towards self-centeredness through the lens of David Foster Wallace's famous "This is Water" commencement speech. Drawing on Wallace's metaphor of two fish unaware they're swimming in water, Dennis discusses our default human setting: seeing ourselves as the absolute center of the universe. The podcast challenges listeners to become aware of this innate perspective and intentionally choose to see beyond our own immediate experience. Dennis weaves together insights from theologians like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Richard Rohr to illustrate how personal transformation requires "unlearning" our ego-driven perspectives. Mirroring Wallace, Dennis emphasizes that we have a daily choice: remain trapped in our self-centered default mode or actively cultivate empathy, connection, and a broader understanding of our interconnectedness. Using examples ranging from marathon training to global perspectives, Dennis argues that mindfulness is about recognizing we are active participants in life, not just passive recipients replying on our default, self-absorbed, hard-wired default settings.   The podcast concludes with a practical challenge: as you go about your daily routine, ask yourself what choices you're making in mundane moments. Are you challenging your default settings? Are you choosing to be "light" and "salt" in the world? The message is hopeful, suggesting that by becoming aware of our natural self-centeredness, we can choose to see the "vast ocean of possibilities" that exists beyond our immediate perception. Dennis email is HERE.   "This is Water" -- 2005 Kenyon College Commencement Speech.

  7. 03/17/2025

    Michael Smith: Finding Balance in Ministry

    Join Dennis Shaw, host of Mindful Leader, as he engages in a compelling conversation with clergy leader Michael Smith of the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. In this episode, they explore the critical themes of Soul Care and self-care for clergy and lay leaders within the church. Dennis and Michael share their personal experiences and insights into finding harmony between vocational responsibilities, personal life, and spiritual well-being. The discussion highlights the challenges clergy face in balancing their roles as leaders, parents, spouses, and individuals. They emphasize the importance of not only managing church growth and leadership but also nurturing one's own soul and identity beyond the clergy role. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, the episode offers a roadmap for clergy to prioritize their well-being while effectively serving their congregations. For anyone involved in church leadership or seeking inspiration to maintain a healthy balance in life, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on achieving both personal fulfillment and professional effectiveness. A Transcript is HERE.  Expires in April.   I owe you a link to David Foster Wallace:  This is Water.   Dennis email is HERE.

  8. 03/10/2025

    Thomas Risager: Episcopal Candidate for Nordic and Baltic Central Conference

    This is a rebroadcast from 2023! In this episode of Mindful Leader, host Dennis Shaw revisits a 2023 conversation with Thomas Risager, a pastor in the Danish United Methodist Church who is a candidate for the Episcopacy in the Nordic and Baltic Central Conference in early April.   They explore the unique religious landscape of Denmark, where a small percentage of the population attends church despite the majority being church members. Thomas shares insights on how Danish churches are adapting to modern challenges, employing music, especially gospel choirs, as an evangelism tool to connect with the community. Through anecdotes and heartfelt dialogue, this episode offers a profound look at the evolving role of the church in a secularized society and the innovative ways in which faith leaders are fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection in today's world.

See All (25)

Trailer

About

Dennis Shaw is a musician, marathoner (Boston!), retired military officer, math modeler, muse, and United Methodist Pastor. A keen observer of the human condition, he has degrees in music, quantitative methods (don’t ask!), theology and leadership. He will discuss with other leaders how to become engaged and present in our current leadership opportunities. Critical to leadership is strong self-awareness. Becoming authentic, empathetic, and aware will form the framework of all discussions. You can access and follow this podcast on Apple, Podbean, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Information

  • Creator
    Dennis Shaw
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2003 to 2025 to Dennis Shaw. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Mindful Leader

You Might Also Like