Best Gravity Commons Podcasts (2025)

1
Kevin Sweeney: Mystics and the Black Prophetic Tradition 50:49

4d ago50:49

50:49

We talked with author and hospice chaplain Kevin Sweeney about his new book The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus, where he talks about how Christian mystics and the Black prophetic tradition have helped him find his footing as a Christian. Kevin Sweeney is the author of two other books, The Making of a Mystic and The Joy of Letting Go. He is al…

1
ALLERGIES—DE-BUNKING MYTHS—YES, ADULTS CAN GET THEM! 14:12

3d ago14:12

14:12

Dr. Heather Gutekunst, MD, of Allergy Partners, presents a true and false on what to believe, and not believe, about allergies—and includes helpful tips, treatments, pollen, health, allergies,watering eyes, itching nose, sneezing--REPEATBy Mary Insprucker/Dr. Heather Gutekunst

1
Adam Young: How Engaging Our Past with Kindness Transforms Us 50:02

12d ago50:02

50:02

We talked with trauma therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Adam Young about exploring our past stories to help us make sense of where we are now and begin to imagine who we would like to become. Adam wrote Make Sense of Your Story to help people explore their personal stories, and how they still impact us today. Adam Young is a trauma ther…

1
MARRIAGE VERSES COUPLE-PARTNERSHIP—reexamining the preconceived assigned role of husband verses wife 21:45

18d ago21:45

21:45

Catherine Aponte, Psy.D., a former clinical psychologist and an adjunct professor at Spalding University, explains how a couple-partnership can fulfill the important social functions of marriage without its rigid social roleBy Mary Insprucker/Catherine Aponte

1
Sheila Wray Gregoire: Cultivating the Marriage You Want 53:02

19d ago53:02

53:02

We talked (again!) with Sheila Wray Gregoire about dispelling the pervasive myths about what makes a happy marriage, and looking at actual evidence to understand what creates intimacy, emotional health, and connection. Sheila's new book is The Marriage You Want: Moving Beyond Stereotypes for a Relationship Built on Scripture, New Data, and Emotiona…

1
Emily Hunter McGowin: Practicing Family in the Kingdom of God 52:53

26d ago52:53

52:53

This week, we spoke with Dr. Emily Hunter McGowin about reimagining the definition of a "biblical" family and the ways that family can embody the work of the Kingdom. Her new book is Households of Faith: Practicing Family in the Kingdom of God. Dr. Emily Hunter McGowin is Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College. She is the author of Quiv…

1
SLEEP-LACK THEREOF, INSOMNIA, DEPRIVATION—It’s enough to keep you awake at night 24:12

1M ago24:12

24:12

Sleep myths, schedules, positions/pillows, debt, coming down from adrenaline highs, falling back to sleep, and successful habits are all discussed by Dr. Christopher Winter, Sleep Specialist/Neurologist, Author of The Rested Child and The Sleep Solution, and host of Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter.…

1
Stephen Morrison: The Anti-mammon Witness of the Early Church 1:02:13

1M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

We talked with theologian Stephen Morrison about the anti-mammon witness of the Early Church and its relevance for today, which Stephen argues points toward anti-capitalism. Stephen explores these ideas in his new book All Riches Come from Injustice. Stephen D. Morrison is a prolific American writer probably best known for his ongoing, mulit-volume…

1
Tom Oord: How to Believe in God and Love After Tragedy and Abuse 1:06:13

1M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

We talked with Tom Oord about open and relational theology and how it can help us trust God after tragedy, abuse, and evil. We talked about the ideas and implications of his book God Can't: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils. Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. O…

1
FALLS: THE UNCOMMON, COMMON KILLER—Discussion with Dr. Wayne Gradman, vascular surgeon, Harvard Medical School graduate, and author of THE FALL GUY: How to Keep Gravity from Ruining Your Day 20:41

2M ago20:41

20:41

Fall factors: Medication, Balance, Weight, Footwear, Psychological Impact—are all discussedBy Mary Insprucker/Dr. Wayne Gradman

1
Cheryl Miller: Restorative Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault 54:55

2M ago54:55

54:55

We talk with author and mediator Cheryl Miller about how restorative justice practices can transform the lives of survivors of sexual violence. In her book Enough Silence: Creating Sacred Space for Survivors of Sexual Assault Through Restorative Justice, Cheryl outlines of these practices and offers a road map for implementing victim-offender dialo…

1
Andrew Bauman: Guarding Against Sexism and Abuse in Churches 59:42

2M ago59:42

59:42

We talked with Dr. Andrew Bauman about the preponderance of sexism and abuse in the church, and what we can do to counteract and guard against it, which are the themes of his book Safe Church: How to Guard Against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities. Dr. Andrew J. Bauman is the founder and director of the Christian Counseling Center: For Sexu…

1
SPRING PLANTING WORKSHOP! 19:15

2M ago19:15

19:15

Workshop on crop seasonality & rotation, plant spacing, creating a plan and garden layout map, indoor plant starts, etc. All covered in this audio workshop featuring Jamie Cristiano of the Geer Street Learning Garden/ Inter-Faith Food ShuttleBy Mary Insprucker/Jamie Cristiano

1
Malcolm Foley: How the Love of Money is the Root of Racism 54:04

2M ago54:04

54:04

We talked with pastor and historian Malcolm Foley about the not-well-known-enough truth that racism is NOT about hate and ignorance; it's about greed. And it always has been. Foley's new book The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward explores how the desire for power and money…

1
Jonathan Foster: Tending to Our Grief Through Poetry 59:43

2M ago59:43

59:43

We talked with podcaster and author Jonathan Foster about indigo: the color of grief, his book of poems that came from processing the painful loss of his daughter. Jonathan is the partner of one and father of three, founder of lovehaiti.org, podcaster, and award-winning author with some degrees in open and relational theology who loves to hike. You…

1
ROMANCE NOVELS—THE JUICE & BONUS—HOW TO WRITE ONE YOURSELF! 25:07

2M ago25:07

25:07

Jennifer Probst, a New York Times bestselling author of over fifty books in contemporary romance fiction, explores this comfort food and shares tips on how you might become a writer!By Mary Insprucker/Jennifer Probst

1
Marc Alan Schelske: The Path of Other-Centered, Co-Suffering Love 1:01:57

3M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

We talked with pastor and author Marc Alan Schelske about the practicalities of following Jesus on the path of other-centered, so-suffering love. Marc's new book Walking Otherward is a forty-day devotional (just in time for Lent!) that follows the Gospel texts of Jesus' final weeks before his crucifixion. Each entry invites you to try on Jesus' att…

1
Liz Charlotte Grant: Seeking God after Losing Faith in the Bible 52:36

3M ago52:36

52:36

Essayist Liz Charlotte seeks to “read life” into the Bible, a text long limited by rigid evangelical notions of biblical inerrancy. In her book Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis after Losing Faith in the Bible, rshe draws on a broad range of sources to unpack the first 32 chapters of Genesis in a remarkably fresh way. Liz Charlotte Grant is …

1
MENOPAUSE/PERI-MENOPAUSE DISSECTED: OPRAH HAS BEEN QUOTED AS SAYING, “The menopause train is coming no matter what.” Mary Insprucker says, “You’re not crazy, dying, or alone; it will be OK.” 19:16

3M ago19:16

19:16

Dr. Jessica Shepherd, as seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, ETC. provides fresh insight, confidence and education on perimenopause and menopauseBy Mary Insprucker/Dr. Jessica Shepherd

1
Leaving White Evangelicalism, Part 3: Experiments and Transgressions 58:56

3M ago58:56

58:56

Matt and Ben continue reflecting on the process of leaving the white evangelical spaces they both came to faith in. Show notes: Mako Nagasawa: Thinking More Clearly About Abortion On How I Left White Evangelicalism and How it Left Me Redefining the History and Historiography on American Evangelicalism in the Era of the Religious Right My Comments L…

1
Leaving White Evangelicalism, Part 2: Theology Vs. History 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

Matt and Ben continue reflecting on the process of leaving the white evangelical spaces they both came to faith in. Show notes: Mako Nagasawa: Thinking More Clearly About Abortion On How I Left White Evangelicalism and How it Left Me Redefining the History and Historiography on American Evangelicalism in the Era of the Religious Right My Comments L…

1
MASTECTOMY TATTOOS: EMPOWERMENT/CLOSURE 21:59

3M ago21:59

21:59

Hayley Moran, breast tattoo adornment specialist, covers mastectomy tattoo topics-beautiful artwork, 3D Nipple and Areola Renewal—costs, process, EMPOWERMENT, and more! Personal Ink- P.INK Day eventsBy Mary Insprucker/Hayley Moran

1
Leaving White Evangelicalism, Part 1: What is Evangelicalism? 36:43

3M ago36:43

36:43

Matt and Ben reflect on the process of leaving the white evangelical spaces they both came to faith in. Show notes: On How I Left White Evangelicalism and How it Left Me Redefining the History and Historiography on American Evangelicalism in the Era of the Religious Right My Comments Last Night at the "Evangelicals for Harris" Online Event Trump ha…

1
Christy Penley: What Do Emotions Have to Do With Spiritual Formation? 53:20

4M ago53:20

53:20

We talk with pastor (and Gravity Commons Podcast co-host!) Christy Penley about how our emotions relate to living faithfully as disciples of Jesus (the subject of her doctoral dissertation). Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode. Join the Gravity Co…

1
DRONES-UFO-ALIENS-Experts/Pentagon says “maybe” 16:55

4M ago16:55

16:55

Join Mary Insprucker and Triangle 411 as they go one on one with Luis Elizondo, (as seen on CNN, 60 Minutes, NBC, etc.), former Director for the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, to discuss UFOs and little green men.By Mary Insprucker/Luis Elizondo

1
Creating and Cultivating a Rule of Life for 2025 48:43

4M ago48:43

48:43

On the cusp of a new year, Christy talks with Ben and Matt about what it means to create a "rule of life" that is helpful and freeing, rather than burdensome. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode. Join the Gravity Community to interact with other l…

1
Christmas Extravaganza and the Gifts of 2024 32:33

4M ago32:33

32:33

As the year draws to a close, Christy, Ben, and Matt open some Christmas gifts and talk about some of the "gifts" of 2024. Merry Christmas, everyone! Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode. Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners,…

1
SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS - FOR THE YOUNG AND THE YOUNG AT HEART 20:03

5M ago20:03

20:03

Santa and Mrs. Claus answer all your questions an explain the magic of Christmas.By Mary Insprucker

1
Post-Election Commitments For Justice and Solidarity (Part 2 of 2) 38:40

5M ago38:40

38:40

Ben, Matt, and Christy continue their discussion from last week of a few post-election commitments that are crystalizing for them as they contemplate what it means to live as followers of Jesus in the coming season. Here are the commitments we discuss in this episode (listen to Part 1 for the ones at the beginning of the list): Stay awake. Don’t nu…

1
Post-Election Commitments For Justice and Solidarity (Part 1 of 2) 46:49

5M ago46:49

46:49

Ben, Matt, and Christy discuss a few post-election commitments that are crystalizing for them as they contemplate what it means to live as followers of Jesus in the coming season. Here are the commitments we discuss in this episode (more coming in Part 2): Stay awake. Don’t numb your longing for the world to be made right. Keep caring for one anoth…

1
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT HAND- PAINTING: Tools, techniques, paints, inspiration, kid & adult 14:20

5M ago14:20

14:20

The A-Z of Christmas ornament hand-painting direction: Elegant adult/Simple/Children, layering, themes, personal touches, as explained by Heather Eck, Artist extraordinaire .By Mary Insprucker/Heather Eck

1
A Practical Question on Resisting Mammon 1:03:11

5M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Matt and Ben reflect on a practical question from a listener on how to resist the power of Mammon in a specific situation. Show Notes: Matt Tebbe on the Liminal Living Podcast Sheryllin Ifill's article on practical ways to respond to the election. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and…

1
Navigating Difficult Relationships During the Holidays Post-Election 34:20

5M ago34:20

34:20

Christy, Matt, and Ben discuss what they're learning about navigating difficult relationships during the holidays post-election. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode. Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of …

1
CHRISTMAS TREES: Type, Freshness, Timing, Bugs/Bird’s Nest, Charlie Brown Trees 21:19

5M ago21:19

21:19

Brad Barick of the Back Achers Christmas Tree Farm answers all our, “To Christmas tree, or not to Christmas tree,” questions and shares touching stories from down on the farm.By Mary Insprucker/Brad Barick

1
On the Virtues of Book Clubs (the Non-Sketchy Kind) 44:36

6M ago44:36

44:36

Christy, Matt, and Ben discuss the virtues of participating in book clubs, and some of the goodness that has emerged from the new Gravity Book Club. (We are selecting our next book right now, by the way!) Let us know what you think we should read and discuss together. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or …

1
Thomas Jay Oord: Excommunicated for LGBTQ+ Inclusion 59:02

6M ago59:02

59:02

We talked with Dr. Thomas J. Oord about the recent heresy trial he underwent in his denomination for LGBTQ+ affirmation, what led him to fully affirm LGBTQ+ people, and many of the issues and questions that come up when discussing human sexuality. Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord is a bes…

1
Post-Election Reflections from a Panel of Faith Leaders 1:03:44

6M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

In this impromptu bonus episode, Matt Tebbe convenes a panel of pastors to discuss the spiritual, emotional and social implications of a second Donald Trump presidency. They explore personal reflections on identity, the challenges of fostering unity in diverse communities, and the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic issues such as rac…

1
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING “FUN”—THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, AND BEYOND 22:57

6M ago22:57

22:57

Put the entertainment back into entertaining with these fresh, innovative tips from Joan Baumer, a corporate caterer, writer, national award winner, and the owner of Crepe Cakerie.By Mary Insprucker/Joan Baumer

1
Timothy McCain: Talking to Understand, Not to Win 42:41

6M ago42:41

42:41

We talk with Pastor Timothy McCain about how to have healthy, honest conversations with those different from us. Timothy's new book is Honest Conversations: Talking to Understand; Not to Win, which explores how to have conversations across differences in culture, experience, and lifestyle. Whether you want to learn more about someone's culture as y…

1
Jacob L. Wright: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins 1:04:24

6M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

We talk with Hebrew Bible scholar Jacob L. Wright about why no other ancient society produced anything like the Bible: a testimony of survival, but also an unparalleled achievement in human history. Wright's book Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins was on The New Yorkers BEST OF 2023 list, as well as one of the …

1
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME-WOW DO WE HAVE RELIEF FOR YOU! 27:13

6M ago27:13

27:13

Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, discusses treatment and cutting edge breakthroughsBy Mary Insprucker/ Dr. Johnny T. Nelson

1
Joel A. Bowman, Sr: Practicing Politics Through the Lens of Faith 47:11

6M ago47:11

47:11

Pastor and writer Joel A. Bowman, Sr. joins us for a wide-ranging discussion on thinking about and practicing politics through the lens of Christian faith. We touch on the upcoming presidential election, the history and theology of the Black church tradition, and the culture war. Rev. Joel A. Bowman, Sr. is a native of Detroit, Michigan, and has be…

1
Emily P. Freeman: When to Stay and When to Walk Away 55:40

7M ago55:40

55:40

Spiritual director, podcast host, and author Emily P. Freeman joins us to talk about what to do when you start to feel a shift and must decide if it's time to make a change, and how to know when the time is right. Emily's book How to Walk Into a Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away helps us begin to uncover the silent, nuance…

1
ENVIRONMENT: TRASH BUBBLE MAN—He wore his trash for a month & grew his own toilet paper! 16:58

7M ago16:58

16:58

As seen in/on: People Magazine, The New York Times, CBS This Morning, CNN, etc., Environmentalist, Robin Greenfield, wore his trash for a month. He shares all-around environmental strategiesBy Mary Insprucker/Robin Greenfield

1
Chuck DeGroat: How to Heal From What's Happened to Us 48:23

7M ago48:23

48:23

We talked with Chuck DeGroat about how to heal from the hidden hurt of what's happened to us that we couldn't control. His new book Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself—and to God—When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering is available today. Chuck DeGroat is a professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Se…

1
Grace Ji-Sun Kim: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Faith 45:49

7M ago45:49

45:49

Professor Grace Ji-Sun Kim join us to talk about the historical origins and theological implications of how the olive-skinned Jesus "became white" and how the invisible, infinite God became a white male. In her book When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity, she outlines how the myth of the white male God has had a d…

1
BULLYING—ADULT & CHILD VICTIMS 18:59

7M ago18:59

18:59

Developmental psychologist, Dr. Sara Goldstein, a professor at the University of Delaware, walks us through the bullying problem and solutionBy Mary Insprucker/Dr. Sara Goldstein

1
Chris Morris: Lessons on Suicidality & Depression from the Psych Ward 1:10:29

7M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Author and mental health advocate Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidality his entire adult life: the grief of unrelenting illness, the shame of struggling, and the pain of poor guidance. In his book Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward, he shares how he has dealt with these challenges--and…

1
David Gushee: Allowing Jesus to Instruct Us in the Will of God 58:29

8M ago58:29

58:29

Professor David Gushee is back on the podcast to talk about how the moral teachings of Jesus can help those who feel the old version of their faith is no longer working to cultivate a more examined and robust faith. In Gushee's new book, The Moral Teachings of Jesus: Radical Instruction in the Will of God, he examines forty teachings of Jesus, draw…

1
TATTING: A NEW FIDGET SPINNER Relieve stress, anxiety, and emotional upheaval with this “relief from the world’s drama” practice 16:33

8M ago16:33

16:33

If Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness aren’t working for you, you might want to try tatting—why KNOT? This episode explains why. Featuring: Anitra StoneBy Mary Insprucker/Anitra Stone

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