Episodes

  • Open Door Session #2: The Old Man and the Sea, Hedgehog Concept, Vocational Matrix Tool
    Apr 3 2024

    Welcome to Season 2! Levi is on the mic for a gradual easing in to the new season: join in as we talk about the triumph of the human spirit against the power of the blue marlin, the hedgehog concept for narrowing your vocational pursuit, and the vocational matrix tool for evaluating possible careers.

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    29 mins
  • #5 - Paul Birnbaum: The Chaplain
    Nov 3 2023

    How does a chaplain comfort those who are in pain or are facing the end of their life? In this episode, Paul shares his perspective on giving compassionate care and spiritual support to medical patients in a hospital setting.

    Whether you're considering a career in chaplaincy, or simply seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human spirit, this conversation will leave you with a profound appreciation for those who bring solace and support during life's most vulnerable moments.


    Timestamps:

    (0:00) Introduction

    (3:25) Challenges of the job

    (5:24) Chaplaincy self-care

    (8:45) Chaplaincy vs. Traditional Pastoring / Paul's ministry background

    (15:00) Caring for patients with a wide spectrum of worldviews

    (18:20) What to say (and not say) to patients

    (20:02) A chaplain's place in the medical environment

    (22:10) Working with co-chaplains

    (23:19) Experiences with patients dealing with pain

    (25:14) Empathizing with a patient's perspective

    (27:35) Importance of being self-aware as a chaplain

    (29:42) Has this job made you happier? / Finding joy in the work of chaplaincy

    (31:45) Do you ever have to deliver bad news?

    (33:25) Tools used to overcome obstacles of the job

    (34:47) Offering hope to others

    (36:34) Is physical touch part of the job?

    (39:17) Advice for young people considering chaplaincy or other care professions

    (42:02) How has being a chaplain changed your life?

    (44:00) The importance of simply being with patients

    (45:13) Books that have helped Paul

    (48:34) Confronting your own wounds in order to minister to others

    (50:40) Advice for figuring out what to do for a living

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    53 mins
  • Open Door Session #1: Our Stories, The Non-Linear Path, Creative Discernment
    Oct 20 2023

    Levi and Drew chat about their stories of choosing a college degree, perspectives on the journey of loving what you do, and the creative nature of the non-linear path. Warning: there's a fair bit of silliness in this episode.

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    1 hr
  • #4 - Dr. Laurie Johnson: The Professor💡
    Oct 5 2023

    Educating. Community building. Mentoring. Writing books. We cover it all in this conversation with Dr. Laurie Johnson! Dr. Johnson is the Director of the Primary Texts Analysis Program at Kansas State University, a Professor of Political Philosophy at K-State, the founder of a nonprofit alternative education initiative called The Maurin Academy, and the author of several books. Tune in to hear about the different ways Dr. Johnson offers formative educational experiences to her community.


    Timestamps:

    (0:00) Introduction

    (1:15) How did you come to your vocation?

    (7:04) Difference between Undergraduate and Graduate experience.

    (9:45) Skill versus willpower in graduate studies.

    (13:06) How did you figure out what you were good at?

    (17:32) What is philosophy?

    (19:00) Introversion and Extroversion

    (21:35) Influential Mentors

    (24:08) Promoting Mentorship

    (26:23) What was finding a professorship like after your doctoral program?

    (30:46) Primary Texts Education

    (36:30) What does it take to keep that educational program running?

    (39:35) What is the best way to educate college students?

    (41:49) Writing Books

    (44:07) What is your writing process?

    (46:06) Does the stress of impending deadlines ever go away?

    (48:05)) How do you relieve stress?

    (49:38) Organizing the writing process

    (52:50) Dealing with Alternate Viewpoints, Integrating Conversation

    (56:15) The Maurin Academy, Catholic Worker’s Movement

    (1:00:48)  Platforms of Education, JP2 Farm

    (1:05:17) Lessons Learned from Active Citizenship

    (1:08:32) Balancing Vision and Volunteer Relationships

    (1:11:46) Advice for Figuring Out What to Do for a Living

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • #3 - Peter Cunningham: The Coach 🏃‍♂️
    Sep 20 2023

    Explore the joys and challenges of coaching a team of collegiate athletes as we delve into Peter Cunningham's world. Peter is a Cross Country and Track and Field Coach at John Brown University and co-hosts the 'The Running Brunch' Podcast in his spare time.

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    52 mins
  • #2 - Steve Ratliff: The Pastor 🐑
    Sep 7 2023
    What does a pastor do? And what does it take to love pastoring as a vocation? We talk about all this and more with Steve Ratliff, Senior Pastor at Faith Manhattan Church.
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    38 mins
  • #1 - Santiago Bonilla: The Baker 🍞
    Aug 23 2023

    What is the joy of baking? We explore all that and more with Santiago Bonilla. Santiago is the head baker at Radina's Bakehouse in Manhattan, Kansas. Radina's Bakehouse has a top notch baking program specializing in both breads and pastries.

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    1 hr and 19 mins