After 8 years, we’re finally do a listener-questions episode on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday.
Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, questioning your relationship with church, or simply curious about how faith fits into our polarized world, this candid, heartfelt episode is for you. Host Ryan Dunn opens up about the podcast’s origins, the challenges of finding community, why (and when) Compass talks about politics, the evolving format of the show, favorite episodes and guests, and what he’s personally learned along the way.
In this episode:
(00:00) Welcome to Compass
(01:27) Why do the Compass podcast?
(03:44) What are your favorite episodes?
(05:58) Politics?
(09:49) Can I be on your podcast?
(10:55) Is it enough to listen to a podcast without going to church?
(12:45) What’s something you’ve learned through Compass?
(14:51) What do you listen to?
Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. Find more episodes and notes: www.umc.org/compass

Host Ryan Dunn guides us through a timely and deeply practical exploration of how contemplative spiritual practices can become acts of resistance against the overwhelm and exhaustion so many of us face today. In this episode, we dive into the ways our attention is commodified—by social media, politics, and nonstop demands—and how practices like gratitude lists, breath prayer, and everyday pilgrimage can help us reclaim our sense of meaning, hope, and connection.
In this episode:
[00:00] The commodification of attention
[03:00] Resisting attention exhaustion and despair
[04:06] Action is the antithesis to despair
[08:39] Gratitude is active resistance
[10:07] Examen
[12:04] Centering
[13:32] Breath praying
[14:53] Pilgrimage
Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. For more information and episode notes at www.umc.org/compass

What happens when prayer meets practical action? In this compelling episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn sits down with Reverend Ben Roberts, Director of Social Justice Ministries at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Together, they explore how faith, justice, and tangible service intersect on city streets—especially in the fight against homelessness.
Ben takes us behind the scenes of his work—balancing outreach programs such as meal and clothing ministries with systemic advocacy at City Hall. Dive deep into stories of real people overcoming the hidden barriers of homelessness, the spiritual drive to serve, and how community can become a catalyst for justice. From the struggles created by new ID laws to the emotional toll of encampment clearings, this conversation reveals both the challenges and hope alive in social justice ministry.
(00:00) “Faith and Justice: Removing Barriers”
(04:53) Youth Empowerment Through Church Conferences
(09:58) ID Verification Barriers Impact Success
(13:39) Challenges in Homeless Shelters
(16:57) Church Steps Shelter During Emergency
(18:32) ID Documents Processing Timeline
(24:08) Overcoming Barriers to Healing
(27:31) Advocating for Safer Shelters
(28:58) “Church’s Role in Policy Impact”
(34:35) Transition to Housing Success Story
(35:38) “Permanent Supportive Housing Vital Impact”
(41:21) Local Community Involvement Opportunities
(43:03) “Compass Podcast: Spirituality Insights”
Guest Bio:
Reverend Ben Roberts has served as the Director of Social Justice Ministries at Foundry UMC in Washington, D.C. since 2013. With over a decade of experience bridging hands-on outreach and policy advocacy, Ben’s unique calling lies at the intersection of sanctuary and street. He is especially passionate about removing barriers for those experiencing homelessness through initiatives like ID assistance, feeding programs, and coalition-building with local and federal partners. Ben’s ministry demonstrates how spirituality can fuel lasting change—one prayer, one policy, and one neighbor at a time.
Subscribe to Compass for more inspiring conversations about spirituality, daily life, and the pursuit of justice.
For more resources, episode notes, and ways to support social justice ministries, visit: umc.org/compass

Discovering Better Ways to Read the Bible with Zachary Lambert on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday.
In this episode, Zach Lambert and host Ryan Dunn explore how many of us have been handed rigid, harmful ways to interpret the Bible—and how moving toward healthier, life-giving lenses can transform both our understanding of scripture and our spiritual lives. We dig deep into themes such as reading the Bible with curiosity, dismantling literalism, building communities of restoration, and seeking interpretations that bear true “good fruit.” Whether you’re deconstructing, reconstructing, or just spiritually curious, there’s space here for honest questions and renewed inspiration.
Zachary Lambert (he/him) is the lead pastor and co-founder of Restore Austin, a dynamic, radically inclusive church embracing grace, authenticity, and diversity in Austin, Texas. He is the author of “Better Ways to Read the Bible,” a guide to transforming scripture from a tool of exclusion into a wellspring of liberation. Zach’s own journey has included being kicked out of several religious institutions, which fuels his passion for building spiritual communities where all are welcome to heal and grow. Restore Austin recently joined the United Methodist Church, signaling a new chapter of compassion and justice-driven ministry in the heart of Austin.
Find episode notes and the full catalog of past episodes: www.umc.org/compass
00:00 Podcast Invitation & Zach Lambert Intro
04:19 Jesus as an Essentialist
08:27 Humble Inspiration of Scripture
10:55 Challenging Biblical Literalism
14:13 Literalism’s Impact on Christian Faith
17:31 Divine Imprint and Storytelling Truth
22:57 Restoring Faith for Church Returnees
25:28 Inspired by Jesus’s Teachings
28:23 Balancing Bible Reading and Wellbeing
30:58 Church Merger and Renovation Initiative

Unpacking faith, masculinity, and hope with Rev. Angela Denker on Compass 164: Disciples of White Jesus. Dive into a candid conversation exploring how our images of Jesus, shaped by culture and media, influence everyday faith, identity, and relationships.
Discover practical wisdom for nurturing authentic spirituality at home, at church, and in daily life — plus stories of empathy, resistance, and a kinder, more inclusive community. Need new language to talk about difficult faith questions or searching for ways to live out a more compassionate Christian witness? This episode is for you.
Rev. Angela Denker is an award-winning author, ELCA Lutheran pastor, and veteran journalist. Her first book, Red State Christians, was the 2019 Silver Foreword Indies award-winner for political and social sciences. Her second book, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood, came out on March, 25, 2025. She is a columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune and has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, and FORTUNE magazine, and has appeared on CNN, BBC, SkyNews, and NPR to share her research on politics and Christian Nationalism.
In this episode:
00:00 Exploring Faith and Identity Issues
05:18 “The Crusades’ Legacy in Modern Masculinity”
08:04 Misrepresentation of Jesus Online
10:59 Reclaiming Masculinity Through Relationships
15:13 Caution in Church Involvement
19:33 Journey to Writer and Pastor Role
22:04 White Men: Danger and Struggle
25:32 “Confronting Localized Violent Masculinity”
30:15 “Embrace Presence Amidst Distractions”
33:25 Closing
If thought-provoking conversations about faith, justice, and true community inspire you, make sure to subscribe to Compass on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review and share the episode to help others find spiritual wisdom in everyday moments.
Visit umc.org/Compass for show notes and more episodes.

Are your phone habits feeding your soul or draining your spirit? Host Ryan Dunn reimagines “screen time” as “soul time” in this insightful episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Ryan introduces practical and inspiring apps designed to support your spiritual journey—transforming everyday moments into opportunities for sacred reflection, mindful prayer, and spiritual renewal.

* Break the cycle of doomscrolling with sacred pause
* Apps for Christian meditation, gratitude, and contemplation
* Simple tools to build spiritual rhythms in everyday life
* Adapting ancient practices like Lectio Divina for modern times
* Making spiritual rest as vital as physical rest

Featured Apps:
Everyday Sanctuary, Insight Timer, Lectio 365, YouVersion Bible App, Centering Prayer, Pray as You Go, Soul Rest, and more.
👉 Like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations that spark spiritual growth! 🔗 Find all app links, show notes, and more resources at https://umc.org/compass

What does it mean to live out faith in real, tangible ways? In this moving episode, Compass host Ryan Dunn sits down with Rev. Ingrid McIntyre—a United Methodist pastor and seasoned community organizer based in Nashville, Tennessee—to explore activism, justice, and the spiritual fuel that sustains hope in challenging times.
Ingrid shares her journey from childhood experiences in Appalachia to her current work at the intersection of faith, activism, and grassroots organizing. Together, Ryan and Ingrid unpack how embodying the values of Jesus leads naturally to standing up for housing justice, inclusion, and the dignity of the marginalized. They discuss the struggles and setbacks spiritual seekers feel when progress seems to stall, and how faith communities can be centers of real change, not just Sunday gatherings.
Discover how a church’s front yard was transformed into vital housing for those in need, learn the power of nonpartisan advocacy built on enduring values, and find inspiration in the everyday acts of courage that keep Ingrid—and countless others—moving forward, even when the work feels heavy.
🌱 Whether you’re curious about social justice, longing for spiritual encouragement, or just seeking stories of everyday hope, this episode offers wisdom and grounding for your journey.
— Guest Bio: Rev. Ingrid McIntyre Rev. Ingrid McIntyre is a United Methodist pastor, an organizer, and a relentless advocate for justice in Nashville, Tennessee. Her work focuses on housing security, grassroots coalition-building, and giving voice to the marginalized. Ingrid’s leadership helped launch innovative housing for the unhoused, and her ministry is recognized for blending faith with action on the issues that impact our communities most.
— Keywords: spirituality, faith in action, social justice, Christian activism, housing justice, LGBTQ inclusion, ending racism, community organizing, hope, United Methodist, church and politics, spiritual encouragement, faith and justice, activism inspiration
— Like what you hear? Subscribe for more episodes that find spirituality in the everyday and help you activate your own voice for good. Show notes, resources, and more: https://umc.org/compass

What happens when your questions about faith lead you into the world of YouTube? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Reverend Matt Patrick—Oklahoma pastor, theologian, and creator of the Connexionalist YouTube channel—as we explore how digital spaces are reshaping spiritual discovery. Matt shares his journey from campus ministry to online community-building, revealing how deep theological conversations and honest dialogue on platforms like YouTube are becoming vital spaces for seekers, doubters, and lifelong Christians alike.
Check out The Connexionalist: https://youtube.com/@theconnexionalist
In this episode, we dig into why Gen Z and young adults are gravitating toward traditional expressions of Christianity and how online content can both challenge and empower us to articulate beliefs in a complex world. We talk through apologetics, the modern Protestant/Catholic conversation, and the importance of community as Matt shares ways the church can creatively meet people wherever they are—both in-person and online.
About our guest: Rev. Matt Patrick is a United Methodist pastor serving at University United Methodist Church on the campus of the University of Tulsa. He is also the creator of the Connexionalist YouTube channel, a growing digital community dedicated to honest, accessible conversations on faith, doubt, and theology from a Wesleyan/Methodist perspective. Matt blends pastoral wisdom, a love for church tradition, and a uniquely relatable approach—making deep questions about God and spirituality inviting for all.
In this episode:
[00:00] “Exploring Faith Journeys Online”
[04:42] YouTube’s Influence on Theological Education
[07:17] Rise of Traditional Christianity in U.S.
[10:57] “Thinking Person’s Religious Tradition”
[13:28] Weekly Communion: Spiritual Presence Emphasis
[18:07] Protestant-Catholic Apologetics Popularity
[19:57] “Reluctant Start to YouTube Journey”
[27:20] “Solo Christianity Isn’t Enough”
[31:06] “Join a Small Local Church”
[34:54] “Balancing Pastoral and Theological Roles”
[38:08] Gen Z’s Catholicism Interest Surge
[41:35] Compass Podcast Episode Recap
More episodes and show notes ➡️www.umc.org/compass
Subscribe, like, and leave a comment—let’s keep finding spirituality in the everyday, together!
Keywords: Faith questions, spiritual seekers, Christianity online, Methodist, apologetics, digital church, Gen Z spirituality, church community, finding faith, theology YouTube, Matt Patrick, Connectionalist, Compass podcast, questioning faith, Wesleyan theology, progressive Christianity, how to find a church, Protestant vs Catholic, spiritual journey, United Methodist
 

In a world that feels overwhelming, hope isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s vital for resilience and growth. This episode of Compass helps cultivate a mud-on-the-boots kind of hope, even when it feels like too much.
Real hope isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about facing it and choosing to believe in something better anyway. Hope is spiritual defiance, a radical way to keep showing up for ourselves and each other, even when the world feels heavy.

NOTE: New episodes of Compass will resume July 9, 2025.
Feeling overwhelmed by digital noise and daily stress? In this mini-episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn introduces the Ignatian Examen—a centuries-old contemplative prayer practice that helps bring clarity, gratitude, and peace to modern life. Discover how this simple daily ritual can reconnect you with God’s presence in the here and now.

Join Bishop C. Andrew Doyle—Episcopal Bishop, author, and passionate vinyl record collector—and explore the sacred within the ordinary and the power of embodied spiritual practice. Bishop Doyle opens up about his latest book, “Unabashed Faith: Resisting Spiritual Forces in the Modern World,” and shares practical wisdom on carving out sacred spaces, reclaiming rest in a hyper-connected world and finding spirituality beyond institutional boundaries.
Together, Ryan Dunn and Bishop Doyle discuss what it means to experience faith in a so-called post-religious society, the importance of ritual and physical connection in spiritual life, and how practices like unplugging from technology or cherishing community moments can be deeply transformative. Whether it’s the ritual of dropping the needle on a record or gathering for a simple meal, Bishop Doyle encourages us to see all of life as an invitation into deeper belonging and pilgrimage.
If you’re a spiritual seeker, exploring faith outside traditional religious settings, or simply curious about finding meaning in everyday moments, this episode will inspire you to embrace embodied contemplation and sacred connection right where you are.
Guest Bio:
Bishop Andrew Doyle is the ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and a thoughtful voice in contemporary spirituality. Author of several books—including “Unabashed Faith: Resisting Spiritual Forces in the Modern World”—Bishop Doyle is known for his practical insights on faith, community, and the embodied life. He lives in Houston, Texas, where he continues his journey of spiritual exploration—on pilgrimage, and still walking.
In this episode:
[00:00] Spirituality and Connection with Bishop Doyle
[04:54] Embodied Rituals in Post-Religious Society
[09:20] Spiritual Seeking Beyond Religion
[11:06] Balancing Thought and Spirituality
[13:56] Sacred Spaces and Routines
[17:46] Modern Captivity and Worship
[21:06] Digital Economy and Social Disconnection
[26:05] “The Art of Being Present”
[29:51] “Embracing Sacrifice and Connection”
[32:46] Communal Sacramental Experiences
[36:42] Freedom in Faith: A Pilgrim’s Journey
[39:39] Phone Addiction and Life Rules
[42:11] We Need Each Other
Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. For more episodes and notes, visit www.umc.org/compass

How do we find spiritual belonging and healing in a world filled with loneliness, uncertainty, and division? In this special episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn is joined by Dori Grinenko Baker and Anna Del Castillo for a heartfelt conversation about tapping into the “deep wells” of soulful practice, community connection, and personal ritual.
Explore practical and inspiring ways to nurture your spirit—whether through grounding in nature, joyful body movement, morning meditation, or holy listening circles. Learn how simple practices can support mental health, combat isolation, and create bridges across divides. Dori and Anna share research-backed insights, accessible spiritual tools, and moving stories from their work with the intergenerational collective Our Own Deep Wells, empowering you to find meaning and belonging wherever you are on your spiritual journey.
In this episode:
[00:00] “Exploring Everyday Spiritual Practices”
[04:23] Soulful Practices for Well-Being
[07:58] Grounding Meditation and Ancestral Reflection
[10:31] “Creating Inclusive Well-being Practices”
[15:11] College Proctor’s Unexpected Ministry Journey
[18:10] Soulful Practices: Reflection and Connection
[20:42] “Infusing Soulful Practices in Workplaces”
[25:53] “Activism for Peace: A Personal Journey”
[27:36] Creating Spaces for Unity
[31:10] Empowering Community Through Connection
For episode notes and more on Compass: www.umc.org/compass

Navigating spiritual growth through the Enneagram with Hunter Mobley on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Hunter shares his personal journey from evangelical “five-step spirituality” to a deeper, more contemplative faith that sees spiritual practices as pathways to soul transformation. Discover how the Enneagram can help unearth your truest self, why letting go is key to spiritual growth, and how simplicity makes space for the surprise of the Spirit to show up in unexpected ways.
Listen now for fresh insight into practical faith for everyday life—and get ready to be inspired to ask new questions, try new practices, and rediscover joy in your faith journey.
In this episode:
[00:00] “Journey to Soul-Centered Spirituality”
[03:44] Evolving from Task-Oriented Spirituality
[07:55] Evolving Faith and Personal Journey
[12:01] Enneagram: Path to Inner Transformation
[18:35] “Embracing Mutual Vulnerability”
[19:32] Enneagram’s Deeper Truths Revealed
[22:54] Enneagram’s Intelligence Centers Explained
[27:00] Enneagram and Spirituality Fusion
[34:43] Renewed Energy and Gratitude
Visit with Hunter Mobley and get a copy of “Letting Go, Finding You”: www.huntermobley.com
Find more episodes and notes: www.umc.org/compass

Let’s explore the fascinating and often complex world of Christian eschatology, unraveling the various interpretations of end times theology. In this episode, Ryan leads us through the evolution of eschatological beliefs—from historical premillennialism to amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennial dispensationalism.

It’s a Biblical exploration of the strange, fantastical and mysterious. From Leviathan to unicorns to UAPs, we’re inspiring curiosity and awe as we see what these strange occurrences and observations in the Bible tell us about the Divine.
In this episode:
[00:00] Introducing a little levity
[02:01] God-human hybrids
[05:18] Sea monster
[07:11] The talking donkey
[09:25] Horned beasts
[10:13] Giants
[11:39] Insanely old people
[14:08] Horned Moses
[15:59] Four-legged fowl
[17:14] Moses’ body
[18:41] The walking dead (where did they go?)
[22:15] Cursed with hemorrhoids
[23:29] Close encounter of the third kind
[25:57] Expressing something of the Divine
Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications and is hosted and produced by Ryan Dunn.
More at www.umc.org/compass

Lent’s more than a diet; it’s a spiritual journey. Joseph Yoo shares how fasting reveals our hunger and dependence on God. Dive into silence and prayer, and discover what your Lenten practice has to teach you.
Hungry for more Compass? Check out www.umc.org/compass for notes and more episodes.

In this episode, we unpack the importance of embracing human complexity and the practice of truth-telling in spirituality. From Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar, see how a cultural mixtape can guide one’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss insights on how spiritual seekers can curate a personalized connection to the divine through grounded traditions and ethical practices.
Our guest is Tamice Spencer-Helms, a theologian, public speaker, curriculum developer, and consultant With over two decades of experience in young adult leadership, spiritual innovation, and social change. Tamice brings a deep well of wisdom to their work.
In this episode:
(00:00) Spiritual Mix Taping with Tamice
(03:31) Mixtapes as connectors of faith
(07:36) The mixtape as Black Cultural Expression
(10:07) Rethinking perfection and ethical relativity
(17:48) Find spiritual awe in the modern world
(20:25) Overcoming fear through music
(27:20) Faith and identity in Black America
(31:33) Hush harbors in the modern day
(34:08) Closing
Join us to uncover how the R.E.S.T. mixtape can lead to a richer, more holistic spiritual life: https://umc.org/compass
Keywords: spirituality, faith exploration, hush harbors, mixtape metaphor, spiritual innovation, radical ethics, tethered practices, personal identity and faith, Tamice Spencer-Helms.

Reverend Corey Turnpenny invites us on an awe-inspiring exploration of spirituality harmonized with the beauty of the natural world. Learn about the innovative faith community, Church in the Wild, where worship occurs beneath open skies, embracing the rhythms of nature and fostering a sense of belonging for those who feel spiritually homeless.
Corey Turnpenny is the founding pastor of Church in the Wild, a unique nature-focused congregation in Upstate New York. Her journey from the UMC Next conference in 2019 led her to create a spiritual haven where individuals reconnect with their spirituality amidst the splendor of creation. Through outdoor worship and a vibrant community, Corey is pioneering a movement that calls people back to nature.
In this episode, explore the fascinating intersection of faith and nature, understand why community gatherings in the wild hold profound significance, and learn how natural settings can enhance spiritual practices. If you’re on a quest for a deeper spiritual connection and appreciate engaging conversations about faith, this episode is for you!
In this episode:
(00:00) Church in the Wild: Nature’s Worship
(08:06) Catching a vision for a new church
(11:45) Doing church in the wild
(13:57) First followers and outdoor community networking
(19:36) A weekly escape to a natural bubble
(21:30) Spiritual practices in nature
(29:15) Spirituality through environmental care
(30:31) Finding peace in nature’s church
(38:10) Learn more
Find episode notes and more episodes of Compass: www.umc.org/Compass
Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Transforming Life and Faith: Ben Gosden on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday.
Join us for an inspiring discussion with Ben Gosden as he shares his transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and the ever-present grace that guided him back to spiritual alignment. Explore Ben’s insights on how the tenets of recovery not only shape one’s faith journey but influence daily habits and mindfulness.
Ben Gosden, a pastor and author of “Grace Rediscovered,” has over fifteen years of pastoral experience. His book chronicles his personal path to recovery and deeper spiritual understanding. For those seeking spiritual growth or grappling with their own challenges, Ben offers a candid look at the power of prayer, humility, and acceptance. Discover how aligning your daily life with your core values can lead to genuine spiritual richness and connection.
Tune in and be open to the transformative grace and spirituality that beckon us in our everyday lives.
Find notes and more episodes at www.umc.org/compass
(00:00) Addiction, Recovery, and Grace
(05:40) Alcohol Addiction: A Personal Journey
(08:48) Overcoming Evening Temptations
(11:34) Embracing Humility: God Isn’t You
(13:58) From Requests to Surrender
(16:11) Letting Go: Faith and Acceptance
(21:53) Values: A Checkbook and Calendar Audit
(23:30) Practicing Margin Time
(27:02) Balancing Work and Personal Time
(31:22) Compass Podcast Episode Recap
Keywords: spirituality, faith journey, recovery, transformation, addiction, grace, spiritual alignment, prayer, humility, acceptance, Ben Gosden, “Grace Rediscovered”, pastoral experience.

Discovering Faith Through Questions with Erin Moon on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Join host Ryan Dunn in a conversation with Erin Hicks Moon, a dynamic podcaster and author of the upcoming book “I’ve Got Questions.” Together, they investigate the powerful role of curiosity in deepening one’s faith and navigating skepticism.
Explore themes like the value of humor when tackling serious faith topics, the importance of diverse theological voices, and Erin’s journey through evangelical culture. Whether you’re grappling with spiritual questions or seeking new perspectives, this episode is tailored for spiritual seekers and those curious about faith.
Erin Moon is one of the producers and hosts of the Faith Adjacent podcast and serves as the resident Bible scholar, bringing thoughtful insights and a touch of levity to theological discussions. Her upcoming book, “I’ve Got Questions,” promises to further explore how asking questions can enrich our spiritual lives. Erin’s journey provides a safe space for anyone looking to explore complex questions about their beliefs.
Important topics discussed:
– The profound impact of asking questions within one’s faith journey
– Navigating faith and skepticism
– Exploring diverse voices in theology
– Finding community in the midst of spiritual questions
Don’t miss this enriching conversation that will leave you inspired to explore your own faith journey with curiosity and openness.
(00:00) “Compass Podcast: Faith Exploration”
(04:13) Questioning Beliefs Without Fear
(08:22) Enduring Faith and Personal Doubts
(12:04) Expanding Biblical Perspectives
(15:31) Faith Contextualized by Culture
(19:45) Embracing Uncertainty in Scripture
(21:58) “Debating Revelation’s True Purpose”
(25:47) Questioning Faith and Personal Belief
(28:31) Exploring Spirituality: Podcast Guide