In this introspective episode, Jackie invites listeners to explore a foundational question: What is your native way of being in the world? Rather than diving straight into behavior or belief, she challenges us to uncover our truest self—our Imago Dei—before the world told us who we should be.

She introduces the concept of a rule of life, not as a rigid list of dos and don’ts, but as a gentle structure or trellis that supports spiritual growth rooted in who we truly are. Drawing from ancient Christian practices, the Desert Mothers and Fathers, the Rule of St. Benedict, and modern voices like John Mark Comer and Parker Palmer, Jackie suggests that a life of flourishing begins with reclaiming our birthright self.

Jackie shares her own journey, reflecting that her native way of being is captured in the word WITH—a value that has shown up across her life in relationships, presence, and ministry. She encourages listeners to consider what has always been true about themselves, especially before the pressures of performance, ego, or cultural roles set in.

This episode blends spiritual reflection with practical tools, offering questions for personal discovery and inviting listeners to create a rule of life rooted in their truest identity, not their striving. It’s an empowering reminder that we aren’t here to manufacture a holy life but to live from the goodness already woven into us.

Links for the episode:

John Mark Comer, https://www.practicingtheway.org/

Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak https://www.amazon.com/Let-Your-Life-Speak-Listening/dp/0787947350

Three Questions: 

Take a moment to think about who you were before the world told you who you should be. What do you think is your native way of being—who you’ve always been at your core?

If you were exactly the same person you were at age 7—but grown—what would still be true about you? What’s stayed unchanged about how you move through the world?

Take a breath and think of a moment when you felt most yourself. Not performing. Not proving. Just present. What did that version of you feel like?

In this introspective episode, Jackie invites listeners to explore a foundational question: What is your native way of being in the world? Rather than diving straight into behavior or belief, she challenges us to uncover our truest self—our Imago Dei—before the world told us who we should be.

She introduces the concept of a rule of life, not as a rigid list of dos and don’ts, but as a gentle structure or trellis that supports spiritual growth rooted in who we truly are. Drawing from ancient Christian practices, the Desert Mothers and Fathers, the Rule of St. Benedict, and modern voices like John Mark Comer and Parker Palmer, Jackie suggests that a life of flourishing begins with reclaiming our birthright self.

Jackie shares her own journey, reflecting that her native way of being is captured in the word WITH—a value that has shown up across her life in relationships, presence, and ministry. She encourages listeners to consider what has always been true about themselves, especially before the pressures of performance, ego, or cultural roles set in.

This episode blends spiritual reflection with practical tools, offering questions for personal discovery and inviting listeners to create a rule of life rooted in their truest identity, not their striving. It’s an empowering reminder that we aren’t here to manufacture a holy life but to live from the goodness already woven into us.

Links for the episode:

John Mark Comer, https://www.practicingtheway.org/

Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak https://www.amazon.com/Let-Your-Life-Speak-Listening/dp/0787947350

Three Questions: 

Take a moment to think about who you were before the world told you who you should be. What do you think is your native way of being—who you’ve always been at your core?

If you were exactly the same person you were at age 7—but grown—what would still be true about you? What’s stayed unchanged about how you move through the world?

Take a breath and think of a moment when you felt most yourself. Not performing. Not proving. Just present. What did that version of you feel like?

In this episode, I sit down with the fierce and wise Adrienne Gibson—a therapist, mom, preacher, recent seminary grad, and now co-author with Dr. Scot McKnight (yeah, that Scot McKnight!). Adrienne just finished our She Can Teach training at The Marcella Project, and

y’all—her Palm Sunday sermon was 🔥

We dive deep into the toll life takes on women’s bodies. Adrienne says, “We women are living in

dysregulated bodies—and it’s gonna kill us.” We unpack what that means, how it shows up in

her therapy practice, and how women’s exhaustion isn’t just about busyness—it’s about systems,

trauma, and the deep need for collective care.

Then, we pull back the curtain on complementarianism—what it is, how it harms, and why it’s

not about Jesus. Adrienne shares what trauma research revealed to her about power, patriarchy,

and the stories women bring into her office. It’s raw, real, and deeply relevant.

And because we just celebrated Easter, we talk incarnation, resurrection, and what it means that God gets up. How does that speak to women who feel stuck, silenced, or shattered?

Finally, we get the scoop on Adrienne’s upcoming book and how you can work with her.

This one is for the woman holding everything together and wondering why she feels like she’s

falling apart. You’re not alone—and there’s another way forward.

Tired of what’s happening in politics? Me too. I’m reposting an episode to remind us that we need to dream bigger — like Nazareth-big. I’m making the case for why my write-in vote this election would go to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Forget the mudslinging, the super PACs, and the endless superlatives — what we need in the Oval Office is the guts, grit, and grace of a woman who survived patriarchal oppression, political refugeeship, and raising the Savior of the world. (And did it all without a social media manager.)

We’ll explore how Mary’s life experience — her leadership, her suffering, her faith — makes her more qualified than most modern candidates. Plus, I’ll midrash a little, take a few playful swings at politics-as-usual, and offer a fresh vision for leadership rooted in compassion, courage, and relentless hope.

Because honestly? We don’t just need a President.

We need a Mother.

And Mary gets my vote.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend Sarah Bucy Klingler, a tireless advocate for victims of church-related harm, as we explore the harrowing stories and systemic failures that often leave survivors marginalized and voiceless. 

On today’s episode, we’re talking about: •Abuse in Evangelical Churches – The episode highlights widespread abuse scandals in Protestant churches, exposing how power and secrecy enable harm.

• Narcissism in Church Leadership – Chuck DeGroat explains how churches can foster narcissistic cultures that prioritize image, suppress dissent, and protect abusive leaders.

• The Cost of Whistleblowing – Speaking out against abuse has heavy consequences, yet biblical prophets and faith leaders model the courage to do so.

• Parallels in Politics – The Trump administration mirrors narcissistic church leadership, using chaos, gaslighting, and media manipulation to maintain control.

• A Call to Action & Hope—Inspired by faith leaders and activists, this episode encourages listeners to resist oppression and work toward a more just and compassionate world.

Links:

Chuck DeGroat, When Narcissism Comes to Church 

https://www.amazon.com/When-Narcissism-Comes-Church-Community/dp/0830841598

The Ezra Klein Show https://youtu.be/K8QLgLfqh6s?si=ApVdkYjcVE57pJ1O

Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett 

https://zondervanacademic.com/products/revelation-For-the-rest-of-us

In today’s episode, Shawn Small explains the difference between frontier and border teaching. Similar to geographical borders, border storytelling is clear and definite. Figuratively speaking, borders are designed to contain people or keep them out. Border teaching aims to stop the flow of movement and imagination.

When we discuss frontiers, we're referring to a more dynamic and adventurous context. Every explorer we study embraces the idea of venturing into the frontiers. There’s an ebb and flow, along withthe excitement and uncertainty of discovery in this frontier language. Frontier teachers can make us feel uneasy because they lead us into unexplored territory and expect us to take responsibility for our discoveries along the way.

Today, we will explore the woods of Franciscan teaching. Some of what you will hear about original goodness and the primacy of the Incarnation may challenge your understanding.

However, Jackie will guide us through Church history, reassuring us that these concepts are not new but quite ancient. If we embrace this journey, we may find our faith expanding and our perception of God much more significant than we ever imagined.

Suggested Reading Links

Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Blessing-Putting-Rightful-

Place/dp/1451496761

Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi

https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Love-Alternative-Francis-

Assisi/dp/1632531402