Erick Godsey uses the term "The Shimmer" as a metaphor to describe the modern internet and its effects on our minds. In this podcast, I'll talk about where this reference comes from and how Godsey relates it to the internet and our digital lives. There are four key qualities of The Shimmer, which are present in both the movie "Annihilation" and in the internet world. Using Erick Godsey's framework, I'll explain what these qualities mean for us and what we can do to navigate the internet landscape.
To listen to the series, start here.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/21UXKoHLhOSx3w3iZMYyPp?si=f70020a2b7df4f58
This week's episode continues a discussion about Cal Newport's book about deep work. The purpose of these podcasts is to bring understanding to the necessity of deep work in a world that values the shallow. Stick with me and share your thoughts about this idea.
Cal Newport wrote the book titled "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World." I have been talking about this idea of shallow thinking and how damaging it is to humanity. In 2016, Cal Newport discussed the idea of shallow work. The concepts go hand-in-hand. Join me this week for a deeper dive into what deep work is and why it is more important than ever.
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
As a continuation of the discussion about the internet and its effects on all of us, this podcast addresses the issues related to our kids and their mental health. Jonathan Haidt, in his book "The Anxious Generation," provides us with information critical to confront the stark realities of how technology and social media are shaping the minds of our children.
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Join me this week for another episode on the importance of mindfulness. Because of the way most of us use the internet, digital devices, social media, and artificial intelligence, we are experiencing severe attention deficits. Mindfulness is a way to heal those deficits.
Full Catastrophe Living How to Cope with Stress, Pain and Illness Using Mindfulness Meditation
This is the third episode in a series of several. This week I talk about some basic comparisons between the digital world and the analog world. Is comprehension better when you read vs. listen? What is "cognitive mapping?" Do I still think I can multitask? Join me this week for the answers to these questions and more. Also, I give more ways to be intentional with your digital use to support change - of that's what you are looking for.
In the last episode, we discussed Nicholas Carr's 2010 book, "The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains." Carr argued compellingly that the internet's very structure – its hyperlinks, its constant stream of notifications, its demand for quick, shallow engagement – was fundamentally rewiring our brains, diminishing our capacity for deep thought, sustained attention, and contemplative reflection. He painted a picture of us becoming "jet-ski minds," skimming the surface rather than diving into the depths of knowledge.
Today, in Part 2 of the series, let's pick up where Carr left off, but with a crucial update. It's 2025, and the digital landscape has not only evolved, it's been fundamentally reshaped by the rise of Artificial Intelligence. So, how do Carr's prescient warnings hold up in this new era? Are the "shallows" getting even shallower, or have we found new ways to navigate the digital ocean? Let's dive in.
I have an idea for a podcast series that builds on last week's discussion about fiction reading, specifically exploring the difference between reading a book and listening to an audiobook. This idea (a question from my husband) reminded me of the book "The Shallows" and the impact the internet has had on learning, cognition, attention, deep thinking, etc.
So, here's part 1 of the series, which will dive deeper into these ideas.
Join me this week for an interesting and profound look at the impact of reading fiction on the adult brain and our daily lives. There are incredible benefits of storytelling for adults, from boosting empathy and cognitive function to reducing stress and fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience. Discover how fiction shapes our minds and enriches our world, no matter your age.
This is the final episode in the series. It has been my personal pleasure to learn about Fowler's Stages of Faith alongside all of you. Understanding these stages is not about labeling or judging, but it is about recognizing the dynamic nature of our spiritual lives.
I encourage you to reflect on your own journey using Fowler's model. Where do you see yourself in these stages? How might you better understand them?
Thanks for joining me, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this series.
In this podcast, we return to Fowler's Stage Five, conjunctive faith. There are scriptures that help us see the accepted and appreciated paradox in this stage. There are certainly pros and cons to this stage, and some potential pitfalls, if we stay in this stage too long. Join me this week to discuss these ideas and explore what a community of people in stage five might look like.
This podcast, about Fowler's Stage 5, will be a two-part podcast. This week, we will talk about key characteristics of stage 5 and how they impact our relationships and our lives. We will also examine Erik Erikson's developmental stage 7, Stagnation vs. Generativity, to see how they complement each other. There is much to learn about ourselves, faith, spiritual maturity, and development, and it can be found by looking into these development theories.
**There seems to be some feedback that I cannot hear on the recording until I have uploaded the podcast. My apologies for the poor quality. I will find the problem and have it resolved by next week.
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Join me this week for another episode about faith journeys. James Fowler's stage four is the Individuative-Reflective Faith. This stage can be difficult because it creates, dissonance, requires work and can strain relationships. The journey of faith is dynamic. It’s a process of continuous growth, learning, and deepening connection to what gives your life meaning. Embrace the questions, seek wisdom, and trust that the very act of engaging with your beliefs, even when it feels like uncharted territory, is leading you toward a more authentic, resilient, and fulfilling life.
So, let's enjoy the ride.
Welcome to this week's podcast. Have you ever sat in a pew, a Bible study, or a family debate and thought: ‘Do I actually believe this—or am I just repeating what I’ve been told?’ If so, you’re not alone. Today, we’re unpacking James Fowler’s Third Stage of Faith—where many of us get stuck… but there is a way forward.
Imagine faith like a ladder. Stage 1 is the toddler clinging to fairy-tale images of God. Stage 2 is the kid who thinks Noah’s ark had two giraffes. But Stage 3? That’s where most of us camp out—sometimes for life.
This week, I will discuss the key characteristics, give examples of what it looks like in the "real world," quote scripture, and tell you about the research on spirituality.
It's a good one. Leave me some comments and let me know what you think.
Welcome to this week's episode, where we explore ideas about the Mythical-Literal stage of James Fowler’s Second Stage of Faith. In this phase, individuals often view their beliefs through a concrete, narrative lens, embracing the stories and symbols of their faith as absolute truths. It's a stage characterized by a strong reliance on tradition and the communal aspects of belief, where the world is understood through myths, rituals, and the teachings of faith leaders.
Understanding this stage is essential because it lays the groundwork for how individuals interpret their experiences and navigate their spiritual journeys. It highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping one's identity and belief system, serving as a bridge to deeper levels of faith development. Join us as we delve into this pivotal stage, exploring its significance in personal growth, community dynamics, and the broader context of faith development.
Welcome to this week's podcast. We will be exploring human spirituality and personal growth. Today, we're discussing the work of theologian and psychologist James Fowler and his influential Stages of Faith development.
Fowler's theory isn't just about religious belief; it offers a profound look at how we construct meaning in our lives, from childhood through adulthood. Understanding these stages is crucial for fostering spiritual maturity, as they outline how our understanding of faith transforms, influenced by cognitive growth, emotional maturity, and life experiences. This journey of faith development is also deeply intertwined with our mental well-being. A healthy progression through these stages can contribute to a more integrated sense of self and a resilient outlook, while challenges within these stages can impact mental health.
In this episode, we'll lay the foundation by focusing on Stage One: Intuitive-Projective Faith. This stage typically occurs in early childhood, roughly between the ages of three and seven. It's a fascinating period where imagination reigns supreme, and a child's understanding of faith is heavily influenced by the moods, actions, and stories of the significant adults in their lives. I hope you enjoy.
In today's podcast, we will dive into the topic of spiritual maturity. In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect our spiritual growth - or maybe even more to the point, neglect growing a mature spirituality. Today, we'll explore what spiritual maturity truly means, why it's essential for our overall well-being, and how it can positively impact our relationships with others and with God. We'll be drawing insights from leading experts in the field, such as Peter Scazarro, Jenna Riemersma, Curt Thompson, and Lisa Miller, who have been exploring the intersection between good mental health and spirituality.
Join me this week to discuss spirituality and explore the characteristics of spiritual immaturity. There is a significant overlap between emotional and spiritual immaturity, and so this is a short podcast.
In today's podcast, I'll explore what emotional maturity truly means, what it looks like in action, why it’s so incredibly important, and how we can all cultivate more of it in our lives. I'll be drawing from authors like Dan Siegel, Jenna Riemersma, Brad Reedy, Curt Thompson, and Peter Scazzaro, who have dedicated their lives to understanding emotional health and its deep connection to our spiritual well-being.
The Audacity to Be You: Learning to Love Your Horrible, Rotten Self
The Journey of the Heroic Parent: Your Child's Struggle & The Road Home
Emotional immaturity is not a moral failing. It is more often a protective adaptation. This is true of most of us. Join me this week for the first podcast in a series discussing the interplay between emotional and spiritual maturity. The two go hand in hand, and it is critical to know how to pay attention to what we pay attention to. This increases the possibility of a healthier connection to ourselves, each other, and our spirituality.