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Stories & Other Things Holy
Terry Nelson-Johnson and Joshua Minden
37 episodes
5 days ago

Stories & Other Things Holy is a podcast that believes in the transformative power of stories. Each week, we gather to share tales and conversations that remind us how stories can open our hearts, challenge our perceptions, and connect us deeply to our humanity.


Hosted by Joshua Minden and featuring principal storyteller Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson, each episode invites listeners into the sacred space of narrative. With humor, humility, and wisdom, Terry and Joshua explore life's big questions, joys, struggles, and surprises—always seeking grace in the ordinary and the profound. Rooted in perennial wisdom and Catholic spirituality, the podcast explores universal themes such as hope, joy, compassion, community, and the unexpected ways God’s infinite love shows up in everyday life.


Whether you're seeking comfort amidst life's messiness, inspiration for deeper reflection, or simply a good story that might change how you see the world, Stories & Other Things Holy offers a welcoming and enriching retreat.


Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app, and visit StoriesandOtherThingsHoly.com to sign up for our newsletter, featuring weekly reflections, prayer prompts, and "grace-ercises" designed to deepen your engagement. Join our growing community and discover how the right story at the right moment can make all the difference.

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Religion & Spirituality
RSS
All content for Stories & Other Things Holy is the property of Terry Nelson-Johnson and Joshua Minden and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Stories & Other Things Holy is a podcast that believes in the transformative power of stories. Each week, we gather to share tales and conversations that remind us how stories can open our hearts, challenge our perceptions, and connect us deeply to our humanity.


Hosted by Joshua Minden and featuring principal storyteller Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson, each episode invites listeners into the sacred space of narrative. With humor, humility, and wisdom, Terry and Joshua explore life's big questions, joys, struggles, and surprises—always seeking grace in the ordinary and the profound. Rooted in perennial wisdom and Catholic spirituality, the podcast explores universal themes such as hope, joy, compassion, community, and the unexpected ways God’s infinite love shows up in everyday life.


Whether you're seeking comfort amidst life's messiness, inspiration for deeper reflection, or simply a good story that might change how you see the world, Stories & Other Things Holy offers a welcoming and enriching retreat.


Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app, and visit StoriesandOtherThingsHoly.com to sign up for our newsletter, featuring weekly reflections, prayer prompts, and "grace-ercises" designed to deepen your engagement. Join our growing community and discover how the right story at the right moment can make all the difference.

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Religion & Spirituality
Episodes (20/37)
Stories & Other Things Holy
Top 10 from Season 1 - #8 - Epiphany: The Gift of Receiving God

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

Welcome to #8 in our Top 10 Countdown of the most popular episodes of Season 1 - Epiphany: The Gift of Receiving God (Episode 12)

Join us as we revisit this special Epiphany episode of Stories and Other Things Holy. 
Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson dives into the profound mystery of the incarnation, reflecting on God’s vulnerability and what it means for us to truly receive the gift of divine love.

In this heartfelt story, Terry recalls a personal encounter that illuminates the deep connection between giving, receiving, and participating in God’s work in the world. Together, we explore:

The paradox of the wise men giving and receiving gifts.
The transformative power of saying “yes” to God’s gifts.
How our willingness to receive enables God’s work in the world.

Richard Rohr (Amazon): https://amzn.to/4h5NSIz
Sara Thomsen (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3PoBmrX

🟡 What resonated most with you? Share your thoughts below!
🟡 Join the conversation: Like, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends and loved ones.

📢 Learn more and support the podcast at: StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly.com
📧 Email us: connect@otherthingsholy.com
☕ Support us on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/otherthingsholy

💬 "God's capacity to be God in the world depends on our willingness to receive the gift."

#StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #EpiphanyReflections #GodsGift #ReceivingGodsLove #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #Podcast

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📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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4 months ago
25 minutes 31 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Top 10 from Season 1 - #9 - "I Signed the Book of the Dead?!" A Lenten Wake-Up Call

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Top 10 from Season 1 - #9 - "I Signed the Book of the Dead?!" A Lenten Wake-Up Call

In Episode 22 of Stories and Other Things Holy, Terry recounts a funeral visit that took an unexpected turn when he accidentally signed the “Book of the Dead.” Far from a grim tale, this lighthearted moment leads to profound insights on the Lenten season, our mortality, and how embracing both can ignite hope.

In This Episode, We Explore:

  • Terry’s near-death experience and how it reshaped his outlook
  • The comedic yet meaningful mishap of signing the “Book of the Dead”
  • How Lent invites us to “preregister” our own mortality
  • The balance between remembering death and celebrating life
  • The spiritual practice of facing our human limitations with hope

Key Takeaways:

  • Engaging with our own mortality can deepen our appreciation for life
  • Humor often arises in unexpected places, even at a funeral
  • Lent as a season of reflection, humility, and spiritual preparation
  • Remembering death isn’t morbid—it’s a call to live more fully

Join us on this journey of healing, grace, and renewal. If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, share your thoughts in the comments, and consider joining our email newsletter for more reflections and grace-ercises.

Visit our website: https://storiesandotherthingsholy.com/
Support us on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/otherthingsholy

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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4 months ago
6 minutes 50 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Top 10 from Season 1 - #10 - The Surprise of Easter: A Story of Grace, Grit & Dirty Dishes

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Top 10 from Season 1 - #10 - The Surprise of Easter: A Story of Grace, Grit & Dirty Dishes

#PopeFrancis #EasterMonday #Easter2025 #ChristianPodcast #ResurrectionHope #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #ActsOfKindness #GraceInFailure #FaithStories #UnsungHeroes #HopeAndGrief #CatholicContent #GomerPyleQuote #EasterReflection #SurpriseGrace

Episode 27 - The Surprise of Easter: A Story of Grace, Grit & Dirty Dishes

On this Easter Monday—one filled with both hope and grief following the passing of Pope Francis—we reflect on a story that reminds us what resurrection really looks like: surprise, grace, and the tender solidarity of “I’ve been there. You’ll be okay.”

In this episode, Terry Nelson-Johnson shares a story of a young mother overwhelmed by life, a black trash bag full of burned pans, and a mysterious act of kindness that transforms failure into grace.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes of story, reflection, and grace.

🌐 Join the community and newsletter: https://storiesandotherthingsholy.com

💛 Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/storiesholy

⏱️ Chapter Markers
[0:00] – Easter Monday Reflection
[1:44] – What Easter Is Really About
[2:48] – Meet the Young Mother
[

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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4 months ago
9 minutes 46 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Why Dance is Essential for Your Spiritual Health – Pentecost Stories That Inspire

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Celebrate Pentecost in a uniquely powerful way with this special episode featuring Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson. Through three deeply moving stories—ranging from family bonds to overcoming profound grief—you'll explore the spiritual invitation to dance with joy and resilience, embodying the essence of Pentecost.

📌 Chapters:

  • 0:00 - Welcome & Introduction
  • 1:02 - The First Dance: Uncle Bob’s Touching Request
  • 4:47 - Story of Resilience: Poet Gregory Orr’s Journey
  • 8:05 - Dancing Through Adversity: A Father’s Love During COVID
  • 10:44 - Reflection: Pentecost and the Invitation to Dance
  • 12:32 - Special Announcement & Future of the Podcast

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL icon for notifications on future episodes!

✨ Engage with us:

  • Which story resonated most with you? Comment below!
  • Participate in our poll: "Which dance story inspired you most today?"

🌟 Explore More:

  • Visit our website: Stories and Other Things Holy
  • Email feedback: connect@otherthingsholy.com

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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4 months ago
15 minutes 27 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
What Happens After We Die? A Heartfelt Story About the Mystery of Love

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What Happens After We Die? A Heartfelt Story About the Mystery of Love

When we lose someone we love, we're often left with the haunting question: "Where are they now?" In this deeply moving episode of Stories and Other Things Holy, Terry shares his journey from complex theological questions to beautifully simple truth.

📖 CHAPTER MARKERS: 00:00 - Introduction: The Power of Simple Spirituality 01:14 - Kate Braestrup's Memoir: A Line That Changed Everything
02:16 - Becoming an Orphan: The Universal Question 03:49 - 3AM Questions and NPR Sundays 05:22 - The Moment Everything Became Clear 06:30 - Where Love Lives: Visiting Our Departed 07:36 - Closing Reflection

💭 REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

  • How do you find comfort when grieving the loss of loved ones?
  • What does "God is love, literally" mean to you?
  • How has your spirituality become simpler over time?

📚 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

  • "Zapped" by Kate Braestrup
  • Krista Tippett's "On Being" (NPR)

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly stories that connect us to the sacred in everyday life 💬 COMMENT below: What simple truth has transformed your understanding? 👍 LIKE if this story resonated with your heart

Support the show

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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5 months ago
8 minutes 9 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Easter to Pentecost: Discover the Power of Mutual Presence in the Eucharist

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

Welcome back to Episode 30 of Stories & Other Things Holy!
This week, Joshua and Terry dust off an archival reflection on Real Presence—from Easter’s Eucharist to Pentecost’s promise of the Holy Spirit.


🔔 Subscribe & Hit the Bell
Never miss an episode—Subscribe and turn on notifications!

📖 Chapters
[00:00] – Intro & Context: Easter → Pentecost prep
[01:26] – Terry’s Camino Cathedral Incense Reflection
[03:36] – Cesar Chávez Story: “It’s Mutual”
[05:07] – Theology of Mutual Presence in the Eucharist
[06:19] – Presence Through Technology: A Modern Mystery
[07:32] – Outro: Join Our Community & Share Your Story

👉 What Did You Experience?
• POLL: Have you ever felt someone’s presence from afar? Vote in the Community tab!
• QUESTION: Share a moment of “mutual presence” in the comments below.

🔗 Resources & Links
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter → StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly.com
• Connect with us on Instagram: @OtherThingsHoly
• Submit your story or feedback → connect@otherthingsholy.com


🙏 Support the Podcast
• Forward this video/email link to a friend who needs encouragement
• Leave a ★★★★★ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Join our Buy Me a Coffee community → buymeacoffee.com/otherthingsholy

🔍 Keywords: Pentecost reflection, Eucharist presence, Cesar Chavez story, Camino incense, Holy Spirit preparation


THANK YOU for being part of this pilgrimage—see you next week with another Story and Other Things Holy!


Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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5 months ago
8 minutes 51 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Wait, There's More! How Easter's Promise Revives Relationships & Life

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

🌟 Episode 29: Wait, There's More! – Easter Wisdom from Madeline L'Engle 🌟

Ever thought your relationship was beyond saving? This Easter season, Terry Nelson-Johnson unpacks a profound life lesson inspired by beloved author Madeline L'Engle. Through touching stories and candid reflections, explore why every marriage and relationship experiences "death"—and how Easter offers us hope and resurrection.

🔖 Chapters: 

[00:00] - Introduction: Wait, There's More! 
[01:11] - Who Was Madeline L'Engle? 
[01:54] - Two-Part Invention: A Story of a Marriage 
[02:54] - Every Marriage Dies—Will Yours Resurrect? 
[03:37] - Love Beyond Loss: Madeline's Powerful Insight 
[05:32] - Easter's Greatest Gift: Endless Love

📌 Join the Conversation:

  • Share a time you experienced renewal in your relationships below!
  • Take our poll: Have you ever felt your relationship needed resurrection?

👉 Subscribe & Follow: https://storiesandotherthingsholy.com/

📚 Recommended Reading:

  • Madeline L'Engle's "Two-Part Invention: The Story of a Marriage"

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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5 months ago
5 minutes 57 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Easter and the Paradox of Love: A Story That Will Break and Heal You

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🎙️ Episode 28: Easter and the Paradox of Love

In this moving Easter reflection, Terry Nelson-Johnson tells the story of Kinsey—a man caught between academic success and the shadow of a cruel father. What unfolds is a moment of intimacy and transformation, echoing one of Christianity’s most iconic images: the Pietà.

Through laughter, grief, and paradox, Terry weaves a connection between the pain we witness and the deepening of love. A reminder that grace often lives where sorrow and beauty meet.

⸻

⏱️ Chapters
[0:00] - Intro: Stories and Other Things Holy
[0:06] - Easter as Paradox
[1:14] - The Kinsey Story Begins
[2:31] - The Cruel Father & the Dinner Table
[3:38] - Tears, Love, and Transformation
[4:15] - The Pietà and Christ’s Final Words
[5:04] - Closing Reflection: Easter and the Paradox of Love

⸻

🛎️ Subscribe for More Sacred Stories
📥 Join the email list for weekly reflections + grace-ercises
💬 Drop a comment: What paradox are you holding this Easter?

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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6 months ago
5 minutes 45 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
The Surprise of Easter: A Story of Grace, Grit & Dirty Dishes

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

Episode 27 - The Surprise of Easter: A Story of Grace, Grit & Dirty Dishes

On this Easter Monday—one filled with both hope and grief following the passing of Pope Francis—we reflect on a story that reminds us what resurrection really looks like: surprise, grace, and the tender solidarity of “I’ve been there. You’ll be okay.”

In this episode, Terry Nelson-Johnson shares a story of a young mother overwhelmed by life, a black trash bag full of burned pans, and a mysterious act of kindness that transforms failure into grace.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes of story, reflection, and grace.

🌐 Join the community and newsletter: https://storiesandotherthingsholy.com

💛 Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/storiesholy

⏱️ Chapter Markers

0:00 – Easter Monday Reflection
1:44 – What Easter Is Really About
2:48 – Meet the Young Mother
4:45 – A Box, A Note, A Miracle
6:35 – Resurrection After Brunch
7:05 – Outro & Call to Action

💬 How to Engage

🗨️ Leave a comment: When have you been surprised by grace?

📤 Share with someone who needs to hear: “You’ll be okay.”

📩 Join our newsletter for weekly reflections and prayer prompts.

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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6 months ago
8 minutes 27 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Jesus Among the Ashes: Real Stories of Sacrifice and Transformation

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

Episode Overview:

In this stirring episode, Joshua Minden and guest Terry Nelson-Johnson guide you through a reflective journey into the mystery of the cross during Holy Week. With stories drawn from real-world hardships—from the early days of the Ukraine conflict to the heartbreak of lost landmarks in Los Angeles—this episode challenges you to rediscover Jesus in every broken and painful moment.

 Chapter Markers:

[00:02] Introduction
[01:30] Episode Title & Branding 
[01:40] Personal Testimony & The Unpolished Cross
[03:24] Story of Suffering & Loss
[04:27] A Father’s Story in Crisis
[05:04] Jesus in the Ashes
[07:19] Unpacking the Mystery of the Cross
[08:44] Call to Reflection & Community Engagement

Call to Action:

Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and share your stories in the comments

  • Visit Stories and Other Things Holy to sign up for our email newsletter and receive weekly reflections, prayer prompts, and special content
  • Support us on Buy Me a Coffee


Interactive Elements & Engagement Suggestions:

Poll: “Which image from today’s story resonated with you the most?”

Question: “How do you find hope during your own moments of suffering? Share your story below!”

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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6 months ago
10 minutes 7 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Transformative Faith: How a Cross Encounter Inspires Love & Grace

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

Welcome to Episode 25: A Profound Lenten Reflection

Dive deep into this reflective episode where Terry imagines a personal encounter with Jesus on the way of the cross, blending Ignatian spirituality with the art of loving-kindness meditation.

Chapters:

00:02 – Introduction: Joshua welcomes you to the episode.

00:57 – Spiritual Storytelling: Terry introduces the concept of engaging with Jesus on His journey to Golgotha.

02:02 – Exploring Buddhist Influences: Terry recounts a transformative loving-kindness meditation workshop.

04:00 – Crafting a Meditation: Hear the creation of a deeply personal meditation inspired by both Christian and Buddhist traditions.

05:49 – Reflection & Recitation: Terry delivers his moving meditation for contemplation and connection.

07:26 – Final Blessings: A heartfelt send-off and invitation to join the community.

07:46 – Community Call-to-Action: Joshua invites listeners to share, support, and join the conversation.


Call-to-Action (CTAs):

• Subscribe & Hit the Bell: Don’t miss out on our weekly episodes.

• Join Our Community: Visit StoriesandOtherThingsHoly.com for more resources and to subscribe to our newsletter.

• Engage with Us: Share your personal reflections in the comments or via email at connect@otherthingsholy.com.

• Support the Podcast: Consider becoming a monthly member or making a one-time donation on Buy Me a Coffee.


Interactive Elements:

• Poll: “Which part of today’s meditation resonated with you the most?”

• Q&A Prompt: “What would you say to Jesus if given the chance? Share your thoughts below!”

• Related Content: Check out our previous episodes for more spiritual reflections.

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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7 months ago
10 minutes 25 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Embrace Goodbye: A Sacred Journey of Letting Go

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

Welcome to Episode 24 of Stories & Other Things Holy. In this episode, host Joshua Minden and storyteller Terry Nelson-Johnson share a deeply moving story about saying goodbye—a layered farewell that invites us to release what no longer serves us. Through reflective dialogue and heartfelt narrative, this episode challenges us to ask: What must I let go of to welcome new life?

Chapters:

00:12 – Introduction: The Sacred Storytelling Journey

01:55 – Terry’s Reflection on the Spiritual Weight of Goodbye

03:15 – A Transformative Farewell: Letting Go of the Past

06:05 – Embracing Change & New Beginnings

08:55 – Community Reflections & Call-to-Action


► Subscribe for more stories that transform your heart: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

► Join our weekly email newsletter for exclusive reflections and prayer prompts: https://storiesandotherthingsholy.com/

► Leave a comment below: What are you being asked to let go of this season?

► Like, share, and review if this episode spoke to you!

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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7 months ago
9 minutes 23 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Embrace the In-Between: Let Go & Become Who You’re Meant to Be

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

Welcome to Episode 23 of Stories & Other Things Holy – the fourth installment in our Lenten series. In today’s episode, Joshua Minden and Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson explore the transformative power of letting go. They share personal stories about leaving behind old identities, the courage to risk vulnerability, and how embracing the in-between can lead to a more authentic self.

Chapters: 

[00:01] – Introduction: Entering the space between past and future
[01:41] – Dr. Terry’s reflection on letting go and embracing the unknown
[02:47] – Exploring the role of vulnerability in transformation
[04:29] – How risk and uncertainty pave the way for renewal
[08:26] – Closing thoughts and a call to trust in the journey

What to Expect: 

  • Inspiring insights on self-discovery and transformation
  • Thought-provoking reflections on the risks of change and letting go
  • Practical encouragement to embrace vulnerability and step into your new self

Calls-to-Action: 

  • Subscribe to our channel for weekly spiritual reflections
  • Join our newsletter at StoriesandOtherThingsHoly.com for exclusive written reflections and prayer prompts
  • Leave a comment: What is one thing you’re ready to let go of to grow into your new self?
  • Like and share if this episode inspires you, and consider becoming a supporting member on Buy Me a Coffee

Keywords: 
vulnerability, transformation, letting go, self-discovery, spiritual growth, Lenten reflection, personal transition, risk-taking, inspirational stories, authentic self

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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7 months ago
9 minutes 55 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
"I Signed the Book of the Dead?!" A Lenten Wake-Up Call

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

Join us for Episode 22 of Stories and Other Things Holy with Terry Nelson-Johnson. In this candid conversation, Terry recounts a funeral visit that took an unexpected turn when he accidentally signed the “Book of the Dead.” Far from a grim tale, this lighthearted moment leads to profound insights on the Lenten season, our mortality, and how embracing both can ignite hope.

In This Episode, We Explore:

  • Terry’s near-death experience and how it reshaped his outlook
  • The comedic yet meaningful mishap of signing the “Book of the Dead”
  • How Lent invites us to “preregister” our own mortality
  • The balance between remembering death and celebrating life
  • The spiritual practice of facing our human limitations with hope

Key Takeaways:

  • Engaging with our own mortality can deepen our appreciation for life
  • Humor often arises in unexpected places, even at a funeral
  • Lent as a season of reflection, humility, and spiritual preparation
  • Remembering death isn’t morbid—it’s a call to live more fully

Join us on this journey of healing, grace, and renewal. If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, share your thoughts in the comments, and consider joining our email newsletter for more reflections and grace-ercises.

Visit our website: https://storiesandotherthingsholy.com/
Support us on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/otherthingsholy

Support the show

📱 Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otherthingsholy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otherthingsholy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otherthingsholy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otherthingsholy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherThingsHoly

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7 months ago
6 minutes 32 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Reclaiming Your True Self: A Journey of Love & Renewal

Send Terry and Joshua a text using this link.

Welcome to Episode 21 of “Stories & Other Things Holy.”
 In this episode, Joshua Minden introduces a powerful reflection drawn from the Gospel of Luke—the story of Jesus’s temptation in the desert—inviting us to question the labels we’ve internalized from our past. Terry Nelson-Johnson then shares an intimate story about a conversation with his mother—a moment when makeup, memories, and vulnerability converge to remind us that even when familiar parts of our identity seem lost, we remain held by an unwavering source of love.

Join us as we explore:
 • How moments of struggle can trigger a renewal of self
 • The interplay between vulnerability, love, and self-worth
 • The spiritual invitation to “remember who you are” even amid chaos

[0:00] – Opening: Connecting the Gospel & Personal Story
 [1:56] – The Paradox of Beauty & Vulnerability
 [3:09] – A Tender Conversation with Mom
 [4:16] – Reclaiming Precious Identity
 [5:20] – Healing Through Love: A Night of Care
 [7:46] – Closing & Community Invitation

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7 months ago
9 minutes 46 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Release Your Pain & Heal: A Lenten Journey of Transformation

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Welcome to Episode 20 of Stories & Other Things Holy – a heartfelt Lenten reflection that invites you to explore the transformative power of letting go. In this episode, host Joshua Minden and principal storyteller Terry Nelson-Johnson share a personal and unexpected journey: while visiting Star Rock in central Illinois, Terry experiences a life-changing massage that not only eased his physical tension but also became a metaphor for releasing the familiar pains we carry.

Through candid storytelling and gentle humor, Terry reveals how a former steel mill worker turned massage therapist encouraged him to “breathe into” his pain and surrender it, leaving him transformed. This reflection ties in timeless gospel themes of healing and renewal, challenging us to face our discomforts so that we may experience liberation and spiritual growth.

[00:00] Introduction & Lenten Reflection Overview
[00:15] Theme: Embracing Vulnerability & Letting Go
[01:32] Terry’s Introduction: The Massage Experience
[02:35] Memory & Connection: Star Rock & Childhood
[03:41] Meeting John: An Unexpected Encounter
[04:29] The Turning Point: Choosing to Embrace Change
[05:36] Facing the Pain: A Transformative Massage
[07:06] Release & Renewal: Breathe Into the Pain
[08:37] Call to Action: Embrace Nature & Healing
[09:03] Closing & Invitation

If you’re on a quest for healing and renewal this Lent, join us on this journey of vulnerability and transformation.

  • Sign up for our weekly reflections, prayer prompts, and grace exercises at: StoriesandOtherThingsHoly.com
  • Please like, subscribe, and share this video to help spread the invitation to heal and transform.
  • Leave a comment below sharing how you let go of your pain.
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8 months ago
10 minutes 6 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Love the Hell Out of Me: A Powerful Story of Healing and Belonging

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Welcome to Episode 19 of Stories & Other Things Holy! This week, host Joshua Minden and principal storyteller Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson bring you a heart-stirring tale about a once-vicious dog who finally trusts enough to be loved. Using this unlikely story of healing and connection, we dive into deeper questions of spirituality, grace, and the choice to let go of isolation.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Why vulnerability can be the key to true freedom
  • How “hell” can be anything that keeps us from belonging or intimacy
  • What it means to let someone—and God—“love the hell” out of us
  • Biblical parallels to Lazarus and the significance of “rolling away the stone”
  • Practical ways to risk being loved in our daily lives

Key Moments:

  • [00:02] Joshua’s introduction to the power of stories and the question: “Have you ever felt like an unlikely candidate to be loved?”
  • [01:43] Terry’s anniversary trip story: discovering a dog with a remarkable healing journey
  • [06:52] “He let me love the hell out of him” – the line that reframes everything
  • [10:08] Connections to other stories of healing and touch
  • [14:06] Exploring Lazarus’s story: unbinding ourselves from what keeps us isolated

Resources & Next Steps:

  • Sign up for our weekly newsletter at StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly.com for reflections and “gracercises” that help deepen your spiritual journey.
  • If you found this episode meaningful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more stories and spiritual insights.
  • Join the conversation in the comments: What would it look like for you to let love break through your toughest barriers?
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8 months ago
23 minutes 3 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
When Play Meets Pain: A Surprising Lesson on Love

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In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson shares a story about his seven-year-old son’s daring bobsled-style adventure—sliding down the stairs on a comforter. When play turns painful, Terry witnesses an unexpected moment of resilience that changes his perspective on risk, love, and how we grow from life’s inevitable bumps and bruises.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

  • A comical yet moving account of a child’s unstoppable spirit
  • How playful risk can reveal deeper truths about creativity and pain
  • Insights on why love naturally “creates life” and “absorbs pain”
  • Reflections on turning everyday moments into profound spiritual lessons

If you’ve ever questioned how to balance risk, care, and genuine love in your life—or if you just need a reminder of how a child’s perspective can transform your own—this conversation is for you.

Join the Discussion:

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  • Share your thoughts or a related story in the comments below
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Hashtags & Keywords:
#StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #ParentingWisdom #RiskAndReward #SpiritualReflections #LoveCreatesLife #AbsorbPain #SpiritualParenting #FaithJourney #FamilyLifeLessons #TerryNelsonJohnson #HomilyInspiration #ChristianPodcast

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8 months ago
24 minutes 53 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
The Destiny to Be Held: A Tender Story of Healing and Liberation

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Welcome to Episode 17 of Stories & Other Things Holy! In this heartfelt installment, Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson recounts an intimate story centered around his daughter Claire and a pivotal moment of vulnerability in his family. When faced with unexpected challenges—from a family crisis to the tender aftermath of loss—Terry discovers that our destiny is to be held. He explains how being embraced in our most fragile moments transforms shame into humility, isolation into communal healing, and pain into a path toward liberation.

Key themes include:
• The transformative power of a compassionate embrace
• The distinction between humiliation and being humbled
• How vulnerability leads to spiritual healing and renewal
• The importance of holding one another in both human and divine relationships

Join us on this journey of healing, grace, and renewal. If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, share your thoughts in the comments, and consider joining our email newsletter for more reflections and grace-ercises.

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8 months ago
37 minutes 51 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy
Humiliation or Humility? A Story of Grace & Falling

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📖 Humiliation or Humility? The Wisdom of Falling | Stories & Other Things Holy 🎙️

What happens when we fall—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? In this episode, Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson shares a poignant story about his mentor, Silky, a man who exuded grace and confidence, and how one unexpected moment changed his perspective on humility, vulnerability, and grace.

Terry and Joshua explore the profound distinction between humiliation and humility and how falling is not just a human experience, but a divine one—seen even in the life of Jesus. This conversation invites us to rethink our relationship with failure, embarrassment, and the moments when we are brought back to the ground.

✨ Key Takeaways:
✔️ The difference between humiliation and humility
✔️ How vulnerability can unite us rather than isolate us
✔️ Why falling is an essential part of the spiritual journey
✔️ How grace meets us in our most humbling moments

🙏 Join us in this powerful reflection and share your thoughts in the comments!

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#FaithAndHumility #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianReflection #Vulnerability #GraceInEverydayLife #HumilityVsHumiliation #FaithPodcast #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly

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9 months ago
22 minutes 36 seconds

Stories & Other Things Holy

Stories & Other Things Holy is a podcast that believes in the transformative power of stories. Each week, we gather to share tales and conversations that remind us how stories can open our hearts, challenge our perceptions, and connect us deeply to our humanity.


Hosted by Joshua Minden and featuring principal storyteller Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson, each episode invites listeners into the sacred space of narrative. With humor, humility, and wisdom, Terry and Joshua explore life's big questions, joys, struggles, and surprises—always seeking grace in the ordinary and the profound. Rooted in perennial wisdom and Catholic spirituality, the podcast explores universal themes such as hope, joy, compassion, community, and the unexpected ways God’s infinite love shows up in everyday life.


Whether you're seeking comfort amidst life's messiness, inspiration for deeper reflection, or simply a good story that might change how you see the world, Stories & Other Things Holy offers a welcoming and enriching retreat.


Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app, and visit StoriesandOtherThingsHoly.com to sign up for our newsletter, featuring weekly reflections, prayer prompts, and "grace-ercises" designed to deepen your engagement. Join our growing community and discover how the right story at the right moment can make all the difference.