Words of Wisdom

Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT
Words of Wisdom

Wisdom is the most important skill in life. Yet do you really know how to grow in wisdom? Get brief, weekly reflections Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT. A psychotherapist and the CEO of www.greatoakscollective.com, Josh will help you learn how to live wisely. Learn more about Josh at www.joshkalsbeek.com or www.wisecraft.org.

  1. AUG 21

    WoW 142: On directions and destinations

    Show notes This episode, titled 'Words of Wisdom 142: On Directions and Destinations,' emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose and strong perseverance. Josh explains that purpose dictates direction while perseverance determines destination. Josh urges listeners to avoid quick fixes, be patient, resilient, and strive for their highest purpose through sacrificial generosity. Inspirational quotes from Shane Parrish and Theodore Roosevelt are included to reinforce these points. The episode also provides reflective questions to help listeners evaluate their purpose, standards of excellence, and actions. You are called to embrace your challenges and pursue your highest calling with wisdom and perseverance. 00:00 Introduction: Words of Wisdom 142 00:05 Maxim: Purpose and Perseverance 01:01 Quotes to Inspire 02:18 Reflective Questions 02:46 Conclusion: Embrace Your Challenges About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com.  • Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​ --- Links Shane Parrish, ​Clear Thinking​ Theodore Roosevelt, Full speech ​here​. --- Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above. Support the podcast

    3 min
  2. AUG 7

    WoW 141: On guiding principles of discipleship

    Show notes n this episode of Words of Wisdom, the focus is on guiding principles of discipleship, as presented by Josh. The key points discussed include the relational nature of discipleship, which requires intentional time, patience, and love. Six guiding principles are outlined: 1) Pursue presence by maintaining a close connection with God, 2) Joyfully surrender to God's will, 3) Intentionally reflect through deep thought and community learning, 4) Embodied worship by honoring God with our physical bodies and actions, 5) Courageously connect by fostering deep, trusting relationships, and 6) Generously serve others with selflessness and humility. Questions for reflection and journaling are also suggested to deepen one's spiritual journey and discipleship practice. 00:00 Introduction to Discipleship 00:21 Understanding Discipleship 00:43 Guiding Principles Overview 01:00 Principle 1: Pursue Presence 01:55 Principle 2: Joyfully Surrender 02:26 Principle 3: Intentionally Reflect 03:13 Principle 4: Embodied Worship 04:28 Principle 5: Courageously Connect 05:36 Principle 6: Generously Serve 06:15 Inspirational Quotes 06:58 Reflective Questions 07:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com.  • Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​ --- Links Read the podcast at wisecraft.org Henri Nouwen, Finding My Way Home​ Jon Tyson, A Creative Minority​ --- Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above. Support the podcast

    8 min
  3. JUL 17

    WoW 140: On false empowerment

    Show notes Words of Wisdom 140: On False Empowerment In this episode, Josh explores the concept of false empowerment and its potential pitfalls. Reflecting on experiences of pain, trauma, and rejection, he discusses how the ego can drive change in destructive ways. Josh emphasizes the dangers of weaponizing boundaries and living from a place of resentment, explaining the importance of surrendering to God for true, healthy transformation. He includes teachings from Jesus in Matthew 7 and insights from Richard Rohr to underline the value of humility, letting go, and unlearning. The episode concludes with reflective questions to guide prayers and journaling on ways to avoid false empowerment and genuinely depend on God. 00:00 Introduction to False Empowerment 00:11 The Dangers of False Empowerment 00:29 The Ego's Role in False Empowerment 00:52 Weaponizing Boundaries and Seeking Justice 01:16 The Consequences of False Empowerment 01:21 Spiritual Teachings on Surrender 01:52 Practical Steps to True Empowerment 02:31 Biblical Wisdom on Judgment 03:30 Reflections and Questions 04:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com.  • Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​ --- Links Richard Rohr, ​Breathing Underwater: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps​ --- Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above. Support the podcast

    4 min
  4. JUL 3

    WoW 139: On 5 reflections about love and breaking generational wounds

    Show notes In this episode, Josh explores five reflections on love and breaking generational wounds. Key ideas include making the unseen visible by allowing others in, learning to connect through surrender, and the importance of receiving love to be able to give it. Josh emphasizes the complexities of love, which involves valuing, sacrificing, serving, and sometimes disagreeing. Quotes from Terry Real and Pia Melody highlight the importance of facing generational pathology and recognizing inherent worth in oneself and others. The episode concludes with reflective questions encouraging listeners to embrace God’s love, break generational cycles, and live wisely. 00:00 Introduction: Reflections on Love and Generational Wounds 00:09 Understanding Love: Letting Others In and Surrendering 00:23 The Essence of Love: Receiving and Giving 01:04 Marriage: A Path to Selflessness and Intimacy 01:26 Quotes on Generational Healing and Intimacy 02:43 Reflective Questions: Embracing Love and Breaking Cycles 03:20 Conclusion: Living Wisely with Love About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com.  • Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​ --- Links Pia Mellody, ​The Intimacy Factor​ --- Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above. Support the podcast

    3 min
  5. JUN 12

    WoW 137: On the flywheel of disconnection

    Show notes Breaking the Cycle: The Flywheel of Disconnection and the Power of Connection In 'Words of Wisdom 137,' Josh explores the essential role of connection in human flourishing. He introduces the concept of the 'disconnection flywheel,' explaining how disconnection from God, oneself, and others perpetuates a cycle of isolation and sin. Josh outlines a pathway to breaking this cycle through awareness, self-honesty, and authentic engagement with others, eventually creating a 'flywheel of connection' that leads to restoration and growth. Featuring quotes from Mother Teresa and Diedrich Bonhoeffer, the episode concludes with reflective questions to guide personal journaling and prayer. 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Connection 00:58 Understanding the Disconnection Flywheel 01:53 Breaking Free: The Path to Connection 02:53 Quotes on Connection and Isolation 03:34 Reflective Questions for Personal Growth 04:06 Final Thoughts: Embrace Connection About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com.  • Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​ --- Links Connection to God​ Dietrich Bonhoeffer, ​Life Together​ --- Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above. Support the podcast

    4 min
  6. JUN 5

    WoW 136: On the ways of the wise

    Show notes Words of Wisdom 136: Paths to Becoming Truly Wise In this episode, Josh emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom as the most valuable investment one can make. Wisdom, described as virtuous skill in living, helps ensure a fulfilling and secure life. Josh provides practical advice on how to cultivate wisdom, including stopping evil, embracing good, confessing daily, reading great books, living without secrets, praying continually, expanding one’s vision of God, practicing gratitude, seeking simplicity, and serving others. Inspired by quotes from Socrates and Dorothy Day, Josh challenges listeners to reflect on how the wisest person they know would approach life and to use specific questions as journal prompts and prayer guides. The episode concludes by urging listeners to commit to walking a path of wisdom and virtue. 00:00 Introduction to Wisdom 00:38 Steps to Grow in Wisdom 01:23 Inspirational Quotes 02:04 Reflective Questions 02:26 Conclusion and Commitment About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com.  • Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​ --- Links Socrates, as quoted in ​Plato's Apology​ Dorothy Day, ​Loaves and Fishes​ --- Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above. Support the podcast

    3 min
  7. MAY 29

    WoW 135: On understanding addiction, Recovery Part 11 [Words of Wisdom]

    Show notes Understanding Addiction Recovery: A Comprehensive Insight In this episode of 'Words of Wisdom,' Josh explores the complex nature of addiction and its various dimensions, including psychological, physiological, narrative, and spiritual aspects. He differentiates between habits and addictions, emphasizing the profound impact of addiction on one's life and relationships. Josh also highlights the importance of seeking help, sharing insights from experts like Dr. Gabor Mate and Patrick Carnes. Reflecting on personal control over behaviors and understanding addiction can be the first steps toward recovery and a life of flourishing. 00:00 Introduction to Understanding Addiction 00:42 Exploring the Concept of Addiction 01:15 The Four Levels of Addiction 01:56 Habits vs. Addictions: A Deep Dive 02:42 The Devastating Impact of Addiction 03:26 Understanding the Purpose and Control of Addiction 05:00 Seeking Help and Recovery from Addiction 05:19 Expert Insights on Addiction 06:39 Reflective Questions and Conclusion About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com.  • Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​ --- Links Dr. Gabor Maté, renowned addiction expert and author of ​In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts​ Patrick J. Carnes, considered the grandfather of sex addiction treatment, ​Out of the Shadows​ --- Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above. Support the podcast

    7 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Wisdom is the most important skill in life. Yet do you really know how to grow in wisdom? Get brief, weekly reflections Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT. A psychotherapist and the CEO of www.greatoakscollective.com, Josh will help you learn how to live wisely. Learn more about Josh at www.joshkalsbeek.com or www.wisecraft.org.

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