Merging Wisdom

Merging Wisdom

Merging Wisdom explores faith, psychology, culture, history, politics, and what it means to live wisely in a complex world. Through honest conversations with thoughtful guests and one another the hosts - Joel Hubbard, Dan Heroy, and Sarina Heroy - aim to seek wisdom wherever it can be found. The goal is not simply to talk about wisdom, but to put it into practice, allowing what we discover to lead to meaningful action, real change, and lives. Merging Wisdom follows the questions that matter across the boundaries that usually keep our conversations apart. Where disciplines meet, wisdom emerges.

Episodes

  1. Sep 3

    Can We Disagree And Stay Connected? Navigating Different Beliefs - Ep. 4

    Can we remain connected without hiding our convictions, and can disagreement actually become an opportunity for growth?In this episode of Merging Wisdom, Joel Hubbard, Dan Heroy, and Sarina Heroy turn the conversation inward, openly discussing the tensions that have been encountered while shaping the podcast and deciding which ideas, guests, and perspectives to explore. They consider why disagreement can feel threatening, how the fear of rejection affects our conversations, and why people often respond to conflict by becoming defensive, trying to fix the disagreement, or hiding what they actually believe. Each host reflects on their own instincts - from appeasing and playing small to resolving tension intellectually or using humor to find connection. The conversation explores how to build bridges without abandoning conviction, why “platforming” someone does not necessarily mean endorsing everything they believe, and how genuine dialogue can transform us when we resist the urge to retreat into echo chambers. IN THIS EPISODE Why disagreement can feel like a threat to belongingThe pattern of connection, disconnection, and repairWhy people matter more than positionsBuilding bridges without abandoning your beliefsThe difference between true harmony and conflict avoidanceHow fear and self-protection shape difficult conversationsWhy some people try to fix disagreement while others appease or withdrawMaking room for your own voice without losing connectionLearning to hold tension without immediately resolving itHow dialogue can create something greater than either person brought into itWhy “platforming” someone does not equal endorsing everything they believeThe difference between finding common ground and forcing consensusEscaping echo chambers, confirmation bias, and ideological campsWhy no single tradition, discipline, or point of view has a monopoly on wisdomMaintaining relationships when religious, political, and cultural beliefs changeListening as a discipline rather than simply waiting to respondWhy accurately understanding another person’s position mattersFinding wisdom in people with whom we disagreeStaying curious without treating every idea as equally true or usefulThe accidental origin of the name Merging WisdomDan’s interest in Mormon and Latter-day Saint history not as an argumentWhy subtle and unexpected moments can produce profound insightSoftness, receptivity, and experiencing the divine through human exchangeThe importance of humor, authenticity, and not taking ourselves too seriouslyMENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Merging Wisdom’s commitment to exploring different perspectivesEcho chambers and confirmation biasThe good, the true, and the beautifulScott Adams and the “So what you’re saying is…” techniqueStraw-man arguments and accurately representing opposing viewpointsSocial media and the difficulty of online disagreementDan’s long-term friendships across changing religious and political beliefsJohn G. Turner and the Merging Wisdom conversation about Joseph SmithDan’s Mormon and Latter-day Saint history projectThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and MormonismProtestant and Catholic Christian traditionsThe accidental change from Emerging Wisdom to Merging WisdomABOUT MERGING WISDOM Merging Wisdom is a podcast exploring faith, psychology, culture, history, politics, and what it means to live wisely in a complex world. No single field, tradition, or point of view has a monopoly on wisdom. We follow the questions that matter across the boundaries that usually keep our conversations apart. We desire to always be moving towards wisdom. Where disciplines meet, wisdom emerges. Follow or subscribe so you can join future conversations. Hosted by Joel Hubbard, Dan Heroy, and Sarina Heroy. https://mergingwisdom.com #MergingWisdom #Disagreement #Relationships #Communication #DifficultConversations #Wisdom #Faith #Culture #EchoChambers

  2. Aug 25

    John Crowder Talks Deconstructing Toxic Theology And Rediscovering A Christlike God - Ep. 3

    In this episode of Merging Wisdom, Dan Heroy and Joel Hubbard are joined by Christian author, speaker, and theologian John Crowder. Crowder is known for combining humor, provocative commentary, theology that reaches across denominationalism, and a deep interest in Patristic Christian traditions. They discuss Crowder's new book, The Silence of the Word, and John explains why Christology, contemplation, mystery, and embodied spiritual experience all belong together. IN THIS EPISODE John Crowder’s journey from a strict holiness background toward a more Christlike vision of God Humor, self-awareness, ego, and narcissism in Christian ministryWhy our interpretations of Scripture are influenced by personality, experience, and biasEvaluating theology through goodness, truth, beauty, and the revelation of JesusJesus as God’s self-revelation and the ultimate lens for understanding ScriptureChristological readings of violent passages in the Old TestamentHow early Christians used allegory without dismissing the authority of ScriptureThe difference between propositional knowledge and participatory knowledge of GodWhy theology, mysticism, intellect, emotion, and embodied experience belong togetherWhy mystery does not have to mean uncertainty about the goodness of God Crowder’s upcoming book, The Silence of the Word Christology, contemplation, incarnation, and humanity’s union with GodWhy evangelical Christianity often resists contemplation and historic Christian mysticism Disordered desires and humanity’s underlying search for the goodThe difference between the gospel as a contract and the gospel as covenant, family, healing, and relationshipHow transactional Christianity turns spiritual disciplines into another form of performance Crowder’s chapter “Deconstructing into Christ”Apophatic theology and the limits of human language about God Why deconstruction alone cannot create virtueThe danger of replacing one distorted image of God with a more fashionable oneSilence as fullness rather than emptiness or escape Contemplation as an experience of grace rather than a method for earning union with GodInternal Family Systems and the integration of uncomfortable or fragmented parts of ourselvesWhat Crowder would say to Christians who are deconstructing but do not want to abandon Jesus MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Church Announcement Secrets Revealed - The Jesus Trip John Crowder and The New Mystics - https://www.johncrowder.netThe Silence of the Word: Contemplation and the Mystery of Incarnation by John CrowderThe Church of God Holiness traditionThe EnneagramPlato’s triad: the good, the true, and the beautifulGeorge MacDonald on the goodness of GodThe Gospel of JohnOrigen, Marcion, and Christological readings of ScriptureSola Scriptura and Solus ChristusThe Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchristPenal substitutionary atonementDavid Bentley HartMaximus the Confessor on human desire and the goodApophatic theology and Pseudo-Dionysius the AreopagiteBernard of Clairvaux’s four stages of loveThe Purpose Driven Life by Rick WarrenThe Prayer of Jabez by Bruce WilkinsonDeep Thoughts by Jack HandeyJoseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner ABOUT MERGING WISDOM Merging Wisdom is a podcast exploring faith, psychology, culture, history, politics, and what it means to live wisely in a complex world. Where disciplines meet, wisdom emerges. Follow or subscribe so you can join future conversations. Hosted by Joel Hubbard, Dan Heroy, and Sarina Heroy. https://mergingwisdom.com #MergingWisdom #JohnCrowder #Theology #Christology #Contemplation #Deconstruction #Christianity #Faith #Grace

  3. Aug 18

    John G. Turner On Joseph Smith And Parallels With Charismatic Leaders - Ep. 2

    Was Joseph Smith a prophet, a fraud, or something more complicated? In this episode of Merging Wisdom, Dan Heroy and Joel Hubbard are joined by historian John G. Turner, professor of religious studies and history at George Mason University and author of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Joseph Smith remains one of the most fascinating and polarizing figures in American religious history. Intelligent, thoughtful people can examine the same evidence and reach dramatically different conclusions about his life, motives, spiritual experiences, and prophetic claims. IN THIS EPISODE Why and how both Dan Heroy and John G. Turner became fascinated with Mormon historyJoseph Smith’s life as an iconic American storyWhy thoughtful people reach opposite conclusions about Joseph SmithHow Smith gave his followers purpose, identity, and communityJoseph Smith’s appeal to people seeking visions, prophecy, healing, and spiritual giftsWhether Smith was calculating, opportunistic, sincere, or all threeThe “pious fraud” interpretation of Joseph SmithThe historical questions surrounding the gold platesWhy sincerity and deception can be difficult to separateJoseph Smith as liar, leader, or lunaticHow historians evaluate visions and other spiritual experiencesThe First Vision and the limits of historical evidenceParallels between early Mormonism and charismatic ChristianityJoseph Smith, Hiram Page, and competing revelationsThe dangers of celebrity pastors and unchecked religious authorityJoseph Smith’s desire to redeem his family’s storyPlural marriage, self-interest, and Smith’s religious motivationsJoseph Smith’s plural marriagesThe difference between building a healthy community and endlessly pursuing growthJesus as a contrasting model of leadership and powerWhy Joseph Smith’s willingness to ask enormous theological questions still matters MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION John G. Turner: https://johngturner.comJoseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. TurnerBrigham Young: Pioneer Prophet by John G. TurnerJohn Turner’s 41-part Joseph Smith Podcast series with John Dehlin on Mormon StoriesDan Heroy's Mormon and Latter-day Saint history projectDan Vogel and the “pious fraud” interpretation of Joseph SmithScott Adams and the "two movies one screen" analogy Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman BushmanC.S. Lewis’s “liar, lunatic, or Lord” argumentJoseph Smith’s First VisionHiram Page and his seer stoneThe Azusa Street Revival and the rise of PentecostalismThe charismatic Catholic renewalThe Vineyard movementDavid Koresh and the Branch DavidiansJim JonesRobert H. Schuller, the Crystal Cathedral, and the Hour of Power ABOUT MERGING WISDOM Merging Wisdom is a podcast exploring faith, psychology, culture, history, politics, and what it means to live wisely in a complex world. The goal is not simply to talk about wisdom, but to practice wisdom. Allowing what we discover to lead to meaningful action, real change, and lives shaped by greater truth, goodness, beauty, and connection. No single field, tradition, or point of view has a monopoly on wisdom. We follow the questions that matter across the boundaries that usually keep our conversations apart. We desire to always be moving towards wisdom. Where disciplines meet, wisdom emerges. Follow or subscribe so you can join future conversations. Hosted by Joel Hubbard, Dan Heroy, and Sarina Heroy. https://mergingwisdom.com #MergingWisdom #JosephSmith #MormonHistory #JohnGTurner #LDS #Faith #Culture #History #Religion #MormonStories

  4. Aug 10

    Finding Wisdom Through The Good, True, And Beautiful - Ep. 1

    What does it mean to become wise, not merely informed? In this introductory episode of Merging Wisdom, Joel Hubbard, Dan Heroy, and Sarina Heroy explore the vision behind the podcast and begin putting it into practice themselves. Using Plato’s framework of “the good, the true, and the beautiful” as a starting point, they consider wisdom not as something possessed by gurus, but as something that emerges through curiosity, honest conversation, self-awareness, relationship, and a willingness to be changed. How can we discuss faith, politics, culture, and other sometimes divisive subjects without turning conversation into combat? Can we remain open to different perspectives without abandoning conviction? What is the difference between collecting knowledge and actually living wisely? The conversation explores the importance of pruning beliefs and behaviors that no longer produce good fruit, recognizing our own biases, resisting simplistic labels, listening before responding, and allowing ourselves to be genuinely affected by another person’s perspective. This episode introduces the kind of conversations Merging Wisdom hopes to create: thoughtful but accessible, serious without losing humor, open to disagreement, and grounded in a desire to live with greater truth, goodness, beauty, in relationship with others. IN THIS EPISODE Why Merging Wisdom was createdWisdom found in "the good, the true, and the beautiful"Wisdom as a lived practice—not merely knowledgeWhy disagreement does not have to become hostilityCreating conversations that are not echo chambersCuriosity, humility, vulnerability, and self-awarenessThe difference between openness and indecisionHolding convictions while remaining willing to course-correctHow labels can divide people in religion, politics, and culturePruning beliefs, behaviors, and patterns that no longer serve usThe courage required to ask difficult questionsMaking room for your own voice without silencing othersWhy wisdom cannot be pursued alone MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION Plato’s triad: the good, the true, and the beautifulBiblical wisdom, Proverbs, and the fruit of the SpiritThe EnneagramDan’s Mormon and Latter-day Saint history projectMichael Jordan and the humility required to be mentoredPoet David WhyteUpcoming guests John G. Turner and John Crowder ABOUT MERGING WISDOM Merging Wisdom is a podcast exploring faith, psychology, culture, history, politics, and what it means to live wisely in a complex world. The goal is not simply to talk about wisdom, but to practice wisdom. Allowing what we discover to lead to meaningful action, real change, and lives shaped by greater truth, goodness, beauty, and connection. No single field, tradition, or point of view has a monopoly on wisdom. We follow the questions that matter across the boundaries that usually keep our conversations apart. We desire to always be moving towards wisdom. Where disciplines meet, wisdom emerges. Follow or subscribe so you can join future conversations. Hosted by Joel Hubbard, Dan Heroy, and Sarina Heroy. https://mergingwisdom.com #MergingWisdom #Wisdom #Faith #Culture #History #Politics

  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Merging Wisdom explores faith, psychology, culture, history, politics, and what it means to live wisely in a complex world. Through honest conversations with thoughtful guests and one another the hosts - Joel Hubbard, Dan Heroy, and Sarina Heroy - aim to seek wisdom wherever it can be found. The goal is not simply to talk about wisdom, but to put it into practice, allowing what we discover to lead to meaningful action, real change, and lives. Merging Wisdom follows the questions that matter across the boundaries that usually keep our conversations apart. Where disciplines meet, wisdom emerges.

Information

  • Creator
    Merging Wisdom
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Merging Wisdom
  • Show Website
    Merging Wisdom