Hardwired for Wholeness: The Neuroscience of Embodied Spirituality (with Jana Holland)
In this illuminating conversation, Will Small speaks with Jana Holland, founder of Celu Selah Wellness, about the powerful intersection of neuroscience, spirituality, and somatic healing. In this episode:Jana shares her fascinating backstory of traveling as a nomadic folk family band through 26 countries over 12 years, and how this experience shaped her understanding of spiritual connectionThe meaning behind "Celu Selah" - combining words for "heaven/wholeness" and "to pause/rest"How encountering people from different spiritual traditions helped Jana recognize her "spiritual mother tongue" while opening her to the beauty of other spiritual languagesThe science behind heart coherence and how our bodies communicate wisdom beyond what our minds can processUnderstanding polyvagal theory and how our nervous systems are constantly seeking safety and connectionThe groundbreaking research in neurotheology showing how spiritual practices activate specific areas of the brain, offering neuroprotective benefitsThe difference between being "religious but not spiritual" versus having an authentic spiritual practicePractical ways to incorporate embodied spiritual awareness into everyday activitiesHow trauma can disconnect us from our bodies and how somatic practices can help restore wholenessThe concept of "super-regulation" - accessing spiritual awareness through our neurological "docking station"Jana offers a compassionate framework for those who may feel like misfits in traditional religious spaces but still long for authentic spiritual connection. Her integration of cutting-edge neuroscience with contemplative practices provides a path toward wholeness that honors both ancient wisdom and modern understanding.About Jana Holland:Jana Holland is the founder of Celu Selah, a wellness practice dedicated to fostering emotional and spiritual well-being. As a Spiritual Director and Somatic Coach, she has spent two decades exploring the intersection of neuroscience, spirituality, and somatics. Her approach is deeply rooted in the Way of Yeshua while embracing an open, compassionate stance toward diverse spiritual paths. Jana supports individuals in seasons of awakening, transition, disappointment, or grief, providing a space to explore, heal, connect, and rediscover purpose.Connect with Jana:Website: www.celuselah.com Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
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1:01:45
The Political Power of Apocalyptic Literature (Robyn Whitaker)
In this episode of Spiritual Misfits, Will Small interviews Robyn Whitaker, a biblical scholar specialising in the Book of Revelation. They discuss Robyn's journey of faith, her experiences as a spiritual misfit, and the relevance of apocalyptic literature in today's world. The conversation delves into the political implications of Revelation, the nature of divine violence, and the hopeful imagery found in the final chapters of the text. Robyn emphasises the importance of understanding Revelation as a critique of power and injustice, rather than a tool for justifying violence. They also touch on the significance of a hermeneutic of love, the creative engagement of scripture by figures like Jesus and Paul, and the challenges of introducing children to biblical stories in a way that is life-giving and positive. Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
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58:40
Blood, Wrath & Love: What Actually Happened on the Cross? (with Mitch Forbes)
In this special Easter episode, Will Small and Mitch Forbes explore the meaning of Jesus' death and resurrection beyond traditional frameworks. They discuss alternative understandings of atonement, René Girard's scapegoat theory, and how the Easter story reveals God's non-violent love rather than divine wrath.Key Topics:Rethinking traditional atonement theoriesThe problem with viewing God as wrathful and violentRené Girard's theories on mimetic desire, rivalry, and scapegoatingHow the cross exposes human violence rather than divine violenceFinding life-giving ways to understand Jesus' death and resurrectionResources Mentioned:James Alison's "Jesus the Forgiving Victim"James Cone's "The Cross and the Lynching Tree"Brian Zahnd's "The Wood Between the Worlds"Thomas Merton's writingsRené Girard's work on mimetic theoryWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
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1:09:57
Reclaiming the Language: Sin and Repentance? (with Karl Hand)
In this thought-provoking episode Will Small welcomes back Karl Hand to explore the often misunderstood concepts of sin and grace. As part of our series examining challenging theological concepts, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on terms that have sometimes been weaponised against marginalised communities.About Karl HandKarl Hand is a pastor with the Metropolitan Community Church and recently began working with the Australian Student Christian Movement, helping to revitalise campus ministry. With his background in theology and experience ministering primarily to LGBTQIA+ communities, Karl brings unique insights to these complex topics.Key Themes ExploredReclaiming the Language of SinKarl discusses how the word "sin" has been traumatic for many, especially in queer communities, where it's been used to shame and exclude. Yet rather than abandoning the term, he suggests reclaiming it—similar to how the word "queer" has been reclaimed—to access its transformative power when properly understood.Beyond "Crime and Punishment"The conversation traces how our understanding of sin has been shaped by Augustinian theology and mistranslations that frame sin as a crime demanding divine punishment. Karl offers alternative frameworks from theologians like Irenaeus, who viewed sin more as an interruption in our journey toward becoming who we're meant to be.Sin as SeparationRather than viewing sin as primarily about rule-breaking, Karl suggests understanding sin as "anything that comes between us and God." This reframing helps us see sin as exile or separation rather than as moral failure requiring punishment.The Relationship Between Sin and GraceKarl shares his personal experience of grace at age 13, describing how the recognition of sin created space for transformation. "If there's nothing wrong with where I'm at now, then I don't feel the need to cling onto grace quite as much," he explains, highlighting how sin and grace work together in our spiritual journey.Collective Sin and RepentanceThe conversation explores how sin operates not just individually but collectively through systems, structures, and intergenerational patterns. Karl points to global political movements and social injustices as evidence of our deep interconnectedness and shared responsibility.Queer Theology's GiftsKarl highlights how queer theology offers valuable perspectives on sin and grace, including the reclamation of pride as a virtue rather than a sin, the importance of hybrid identities, and the power of collective liberation.Recommended Reading:Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
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1:04:02
The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus with Kevin Sweeney
In this episode, Will talks with Kevin Sweeney about his new book "The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus: Mystics, the Black Prophetic Tradition, and Why I'm Still a Christian."Kevin shares how the mystics gave him the Cosmic Christ, while the Black prophetic tradition offered him the Concrete Jesus. Together, these traditions help us embrace both the universal presence of divine love and the urgent call to justice and liberation.Key Topics Covered:The difference between experiencing Christ and just believing in JesusHow the Black prophetic tradition reveals Jesus as both liberator and threat to empireWhy being "safe" in Christ allows us to become "dangerous" to injusticeThe transition from pastoring to hospice chaplaincyWhy unity with Christ transcends religious boundariesThe Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus is out on May 6th. Follow Kevin Sweeney for updates. Connect with Kevin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinsweeneynow/Website: https://www.kevinsweeneynow.com/Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
If you’ve ever felt on the fringes of Christian faith this is a safe space for you. Your questions, doubts and hopes are all welcome here. We’re creating conversations, affirmations, meditations and other resources to support you on your spiritual journey and let you know that even if you feel like a misfit, you don’t have to feel alone.
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