Cultivate the Ordinary

Year in Review: Random Gas Station Stories to Crazy Karaoke Experiences to Lessons in Faith and Life

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary, hosts Travis and Jess reflect on the past year, sharing personal anecdotes, funny stories, and lessons learned. They each share a quote for the year that best represented what they were most inspired by or learned in 2025. They discuss the importance of finding beauty in everyday life, the power of quotes, and the significance of community and relationships.

As they look ahead to the new year, they emphasize the need for personal growth, curiosity, and the cultivation of positive habits, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with it.

Key Takeaways:

Travis humorously describes their podcast roles as interchangeable sidekicks, adding a light-hearted touch to their dynamic.
Jess shares a funny incident where she got sprayed with water at a gas station, and instead of getting upset, she laughed it off, showcasing her graciousness.
Travis recounts a karaoke night where he was pressured into singing "Barbie Girl," a song he found hilariously awkward, especially when a stranger joined him on stage.
Jess emphasizes the importance of embracing play and lightheartedness, reflecting on her word for the year, which was "play."
Jess discusses the importance of forgiveness, inspired by a pastor who forgave the man responsible for a tragic event, encouraging her to let go of personal resentments.
Both Jess and Travis talk about the significance of community and vulnerability, highlighting how opening up to others can lead to profound personal growth and connection.
Jess emphasizes the value of finding beauty in stillness and nature, which has reignited her passion for art and creativity.

Everyone Has a Book in Them: A Fun Conversation on Writing and Self Publishing

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary, hosts Travis and Jess get back together after a bit of a break from this podcast. They discuss their recent creative projects, including two new podcasts they've launched. This episode centers on the power of writing, the creative process, and what it looks like to publish a book on your own.

Books and podcast links below:

Jessie is writing her first book and Travis talks about the two books he wrote. They share personal stories about their writing journeys and offer encouragement to aspiring writers. Travis shares some practical tips on what it takes to write a book and get it published. His belief is that everyone has a book in them.

The conversation highlights the intersection of creativity, personal growth, and the transformative power of words.

Travis and Jessie's other podcasts:

That's So Rad! Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-rad/id1810887342

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thatissorad

Transforming Us

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transforming-us/id1823554264

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@transformingus

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Writing or book publishing questions? Contact us on socials or below at:

https://guidedpace.com/

Shaped by the Places We Live and Our Need to Be Rooted

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary Podcast, host Travis explores the themes of rootedness, geography, and personal history as he reflects on his time growing up on a farm in North Dakota. He shares on the importance of place in shaping identity and the innate human longing for connection to our origins.

Through personal anecdotes and reading book excerpts, Travis discusses how experiences in various landscapes influence our character and sense of belonging. He also emphasizes the need for stability in a fast-paced world and the profound impact that specific places can have on our souls.

Because of the freedom of technology and remote jobs, many of us can live in places but not be rooted in those places. That's a big problem and the difference between "being stationed" vs "being rooted" changes how we live life.

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Language of Cottonwoods: Essays on the Future of North Dakota

Dakota: A Spiritual Geography

Being Astonished and Telling About It

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary, Jessie and Travis explore some exciting things going on in their lives and how they're finding inspiration in these things. They talk some about the current journey of Travis's brother Jeremy, who has faced significant challenges due to a traumatic brain injury (in 2009). They also share some cool stories of all the things he is doing to bring joy and hope to the world despite limited abilities.

The conversation also highlights the joy of music through Travis learning to play the ukulele, the development of a documentary about Jeremy's life, and the importance of community and friendship in their lives. They discuss Jeremy's artistic endeavors, the gift of friendship, and the inspiration they and so many others draw from his story.

Cool stuff to checkout from this episode!

Follow Jeremy on Facebook:

Jeremy's Instagram:

Jeremy painting

Wes performing a spoken word for Jeremy

Jeremy's website: joyindespair

Checkout the band Wasperjaws

Wes' website: https://www.meaningfulscience.com/

Why Beauty Should Matter More in Your Daily Life

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary Podcast, hosts Travis and Jessie explore the theme of beauty through personal experiences, reflections on a recent cruise, and the evolution of their understanding of beauty over time. They discuss moments of astonishment, the connection between beauty and art, and how beauty can serve as a bridge to deeper understanding and connection with the world around us.

Travis and Jessie discuss the profound impact of beauty in our lives, discussing how it can inspire, captivate, and connect us to deeper truths. They delve into the relationship between beauty and art, the importance of imagination, and how beauty can transform our perception of the ordinary. The discussion also touches on practical ways to cultivate beauty in daily life and community, emphasizing that beauty is essential for our well-being and creativity.

Travis' book:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Podcast:

John O'Donohue- The Inner Landscape of Beauty

The Power of Gratitude and How It Can Change Our Lives

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary, host Travis discusses the transformative power of gratitude, especially in the face of personal struggles. He shares his family's recent challenges, including health scares involving his brother, and how these experiences have deepened his appreciation for life's gifts.

Through a heartfelt story about his favorite band Carbon Leaf, Travis illustrates the importance of connection and gratitude in difficult times. Times that God is nearer to us than we often feel, and orchestrates gifts and unexpected moments to encourage us in our difficulties. He also shares about the discipline of trying to find more gratitude in the small everyday moments of life.

He emphasizes that joy often stems from gratitude and encourages listeners to recognize and cherish the small moments that make life meaningful.

Checkout some of Carbon Leaf's music:

https://youtu.be/4BItUurqpsw?si=p_dDnDgmJQyAzRGn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlhlHsGE6as

Travis's book:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Takeaways

Gratitude can spark a sense of aliveness.
Personal struggles can deepen our appreciation for life.
Connection with others can provide comfort during tough times.
Gratitude is a discipline that can be cultivated.
Finding joy in small moments is essential.
Living in radical amazement can transform our perspective.
Gratitude can help us navigate through suffering.
The little things in life often become the big things.
Being grateful for one thing a day can change our outlook.
Joy is rooted in gratitude, not the other way around.

Living Fully Alive and Being Formed by New Habits

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary, hosts Travis and Jessie discuss their excitement for the new year, reflecting on personal goals and experiences. They explore the concept of bucket lists, the psychology behind New Year's resolutions, and the importance of identity in forming habits.

The conversation emphasizes the need for both motivation and structure in achieving personal growth and setting meaningful goals for 2025. In this conversation, Jessie and Travis explore the themes of personal growth, the importance of influential voices, and the necessity of finding what makes one come alive. They discuss the challenges of burnout and the significance of encouraging each other in their journeys.

The dialogue emphasizes the need for sustainable structures in life, the power of music and community, and the importance of self-awareness in navigating life's complexities.

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

book:

Atomic Habits: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Season 1 Finale: Seeing the World Through Imaginative and Grateful Eyes with Asher Vangsnes

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this season finale episode, Travis is joined by his son Asher to talk about curiosity and creativity. Asher sees the world so imaginatively and is full of curiosity. He's also brings the gift of gratitude wherever he is and Travis talks about the ways Asher teaches him as his son.

The conversation steers around Asher's insights into drawing and creating and ends with questions around his favorite things. This has been a great season of inspiring people, stories, and lives that showcase curiosity, wonder, and looking for God's presence in the everyday.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

The Keys to Unlocking a Stronger Friendship in Your Marriage

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess talk about cultivating friendship as a centerpiece to healthy marriages. Travis shares about the importance of humor as a tool that connects, heals, and helps us in all kinds of ways.

Jess talks about activities that promote connection, togetherness, and friendship. They both discuss a marriage resource and training they've received through the Gottman Institute that has been immensely helpful in unlocking stuck patterns in their own marriage. They unpack some of the principles from these resources including the biggest predictors of divorce. They share the antidotes to unhealthy patterns and describe the path forward for maintaining connection and growing stronger as couples.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Book- Humor's Hidden Power: Weapon, Shield, and Psychological Salve

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Experiencing Grace and Goodness in the Awful Agony of Dementia

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis shares about his journey caregiving for his dad when he had late stage dementia. Alzheimers and dementia are brutal diseases that are rapidly rising globally. So many people know a loved one personally dealing with this tragic struggle.

Travis also shares about the beautiful moments and lessons learned that can still be gained if we look more closely and pay attention. Travis' shares how God in his grace gave moments of gifts and that even as his dad lost nearly all functionality he still graced the world with the power of his smile.

Travis reminisces about both the immense difficulties involved in caregiving and the heavy emotional toll of seeing a loved one continued to lose more of their world and themselves in a staggeringly slow death. Travis reads an excerpt on a piece he wrote as he was in the grips of dealing with his dad's disease and how writing this piece helped him process.

He also offers encouragement and shares some stories on God's grace radiating through even the darkest moments and bleakest times. Sometimes in very surprising ways. We hope this episode can be an encouragement for you in some way as you deal with your own story of a loved one with dementia.

Reach out to Travis:

Travis' email: travisvangsnes@gmail.com

Resourced mentioned in this podcast:

Forbes article on dementia

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Reflections on Overcoming Adversity and Uncertainty with Jay Vangsnes

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess are joined by their oldest son Jay to reflect on life before Jay heads off to college. They talk about fun memories and Jay's unique personality and place in the family. Jay has always been full of charisma and is a natural leader wherever he goes.

Travis shares a story about a powerful moment Jay was there for him when he lost his dad. Jess also shares a heartfelt story of the first gift Jay gave her before she became his mom.

Jay has overcome a lot of adversity in his young life. Going into foster and then moving from foster care to being part of a transracial adoptive family. Jay is a cycle breaker. (Only 3% of former foster youth go on to achieve a 4 year degree.) He is pursuing a nursing degree at Carson Newman University and won a prestigious scholarship to do volunteer work in his local college community.

Jay was featured in a reel for America's Kids Belong sharing about the dire outcomes of kids who age out of foster care without a family.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Harnessing Our Grief and Cherishing the Lives of Those We’ve Lost

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis talks about facing grief head on and holding space for grieving the loss of loved ones in different ways and with all our senses. He shares about how the loss of his dad over two years ago has been impacting him lately. As hard as grief is, Travis sees it as a conduit of connection to God and others and as a gift that helps us remember those we've lost in sometimes profound new ways.

Travis shares some ideas around ways we can cultivate regular rhythms to embrace our grief and also bask in the happy memories and lessons we've learned from those we've lost.

This episode is less about prescriptive tips as it is about being real and curious on the subject of death and grief. At the end, Travis reads a piece he wrote honoring the legacy and life of his dad (whose passing moments could only be scripted by God). As always, there will be some thought provoking quotes to consider.

Mentioned in this episode:

Checkout the podcast Travis is a host on with America's Kids Belong called The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Slaying Shame, Smashing Stigmas, and Mending Mental Health with Dana Adams

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess are joined by Dana Adams ( LPC-A) to talk mental health, wellness, and soul care. Dana is a licensed, professional counselor associate and has a passion for mentoring women.

Dana is very real and honest about her own story when it comes to her own mental health journey and shares her story of finding wholeness and spiritual transformation. Dallas Willard has been an enormous encouragement and teacher for her when it comes to understanding God's redemptive work in our hearts and stories.

Dana talks about eventually becoming a counselor and shares about her work in helping mentor young women. She also shares about stigmas around mental health, what some of the biggest barriers are when it comes to mental and emotional healing, and gives helpful thoughts around finding a good therapist or counselor. Dana brings lots of knowledge, grace, and empathy and that shines in this conversation.

Resources from this episode:

Book: Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ by Dallas Willard

Dana's wellness and growth website

Follow Dana on Instagram

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Finding Ordinary Inspiration For Writing Fiction with Leah Busboom

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis is joined by Leah Busboom to talk about her writing journey, creativity, and insights around creating and making things, much of which involves courage and just trying. Leah has become an award winning Indie author on Amazon for her fictional romance novels. Interestingly though, she graduated with an MS in Physics and has worked extensively in tech as she was with IBM for 22 years. She continues in an important role in the tech/operations side of America's Kids Belong in the space of foster care.

Their conversation involves looking at the fascinating dichotomy between her left brain science/technology thinking and writing fiction as an imaginative right brain exercise. Leah also finds lot of inspiration in creating characters and charting plots through ordinary moments and everyday people she comes across. She shares a touching story about being deeply impacted by a moment in real life that she uses creatively in a story.

Travis is well outside of his comfort zone and knowledge talking about romance novels so you may want to listen in just for that entertainment. Leah talks about what romance means at its core and talks about what the most popular current niche romance novels are (you'll never guess it).

Checkout Leah's books on Amazon.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Laughter, Love, and Life Lessons From Five Year Old Dakota Vangsnes

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

You are in for a treat on this one and a bit of a wild wide with our 5 year old guest. Travis and Jess are joined by their youngest kid "Dak" for a conversation around things like: wonder, Ninja Turtles, scary moments, funny sounds, and playing outside.

Dak is full of life and imagination and has never met a stranger in his whole life. You'll hear some funny stories, unique insights and an unexpected prayer from this little guy. It's a strong reminder how much kids are a gift to us all and that their joy, wonder, and child like faith are things that tend to dim in us as we age. But these traits don't have to be lost and leaning into our kids' worlds and seeing the world again through their eyes more regularly is just the medicine most of us need.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Integrating Faith, Healing, and Waking Up to Belovedness with Julie Dotson

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Jess is joined by her mom Julie Dotson to talk about her story and journey of navigating suffering and abuse as a child. Despite this, Julie embarked courageously to find healing and has really seen God's goodness and nearness throughout her life. Waking up to her belovedness as a deeply loved child of God is a big theme she talks about.

Julie also talks about ways she's learned to put God first and how she's cultivating the habit of communing in his presence in ordinary moments in the everyday. She is actively involved in ministry, spiritual direction, and has a long history of helping others heal from all kinds of troubles whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

She has trained in cranial sacral therapy, art therapy, and now partners with people on their spiritual journey on a soul level.

Julie shares how much she's been impacted by the writings of Henri Nouwen and Dallas Willard. Today Julie walks with others she mentors and helps them on their journeys of finding wholeness and healing.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Books:

Soul Custody: Choosing to Care for the One and Only You

Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God

Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Learning About Bugs and Seeing God's Grandeur in Nature with Jim Dotson

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis is joined by his father-in-law Jim Dotson to talk about his love of bugs and seeing God in nature. Jim has a deep love of nature and still at age 71 studies it with childlike curiosity. He is an entomologist (insect expert) and worked for many years for Bayer's crop science and pest control departments. He talks about his journey of studying bugs professionally and seeing God's divine handiwork in the complexity of their designs. As the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins once said, "The world is charged with the grandeur of God."

Jim shares about his top three "coolest bugs" in the world and why that is. He shares about his hobby of beekeeping and what that all entails. He also shares about becoming a lay pastor in his retirement years and how he continues his journey of learning and discovery in things he's learning in the Bible.

If you love nature and exploring and discovering new things in nature, you'll really enjoy this episode.

Understanding Chronic Pain and the Mind-Body Connection

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Jess, a trauma-informed resilience coach and a living testament to overcoming mind-body syndrome and chronic pain patterns shares her experiences in the world of chronic pain and its psycho-somatic nature. Travis shares a funny story about his “pet wheel.”

Jess provides answers to the most pressing questions surrounding chronic pain and mind-body syndrome. From the impact of stress on our bodies to the common personality traits that contribute to chronic pain, offers valuable insights and statistics to help listeners gain a deeper understanding of this complex condition. She first learned of this research from Dr. John Sarno in his work at NYU as a back specialist.

She also explores the role of self-awareness in managing chronic pain and discusses the mind-body connection and its relevance to healing. With practical tools like the STOP Tool and the Compass Tool, along with the PACE model for resilience and healing, Jess equips listeners with strategies to navigate their pain journey.

Through personal anecdotes and stories of individuals who have found relief from chronic pain, she offers hope and encouragement to those seeking an integrated approach to healing. Tune in to this podcast to gain a deeper understanding of chronic pain, the mind-body connection, and the path to resilience when life and pain overwhelms you.

10 daily reminders for healing from Mind Body Syndrome: adapted from Dr. John Sarno’s book “Healing Back Pain”

The pain is due to Mind-Body Syndrome, (TMS) not to a structural abnormality.
The direct reason for the pain is mild oxygen deprivation and changes in my body due to stress.
Mind Body Syndrome (TMS) is a harmless condition caused by repressed emotions.
Pain exists to distract my attention from my emotions.
Since the body is healthy and normal, there is nothing to fear.
Physical activity is not dangerous. It is important to move normally and with out fear.
Do not be concerned or intimidated by the pain.
Shift attention from felt pain to emotional issues.
Aim to be in control, not controlled by the subconscious mind.
Think psychologically, not just physically.

Things you want to avoid- 5 Fs that make chronic pain worse:

1. Avoid Fear: Recognize and acknowledge any fear surrounding the pain, but don't let it control your actions. Use resources for fear more than pain.

2. Shift Focus: Shift your focus away from the pain and onto positive and enjoyable activities.

3. Avoid Fixing: Avoid trying to fix or solve the pain through excessive medical interventions or treatments. Don’t avoid movement.

4. Let go of Frustration: Practice patience and avoid frustration when progress seems slow.

5. Avoid Fighting the pain or becoming overly resistant to it.

Chronic pain is not just a physical phenomenon; it's deeply intertwined with our emotions, experiences, and coping mechanisms.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

An Unlikely Story of Healing From Chronic Pain with Danny Smith

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Danny Smith joins Travis and Jess to talk about a really common experience so many of us face--chronic pain. Danny shares his personal experiences and story around suffering from debilitating chronic back pain for years. He tried everything to help his back find relief and was at the point of total despair and desperation when he heard about an intriguing book written by a physician named Dr. John Sarno. Sarno was a pioneering researcher in the area of TMS and worked extensively to study the mind/body connection to chronic pain. Observing that stress, anxiety, anger, and personality wiring can have significant impacts in the way the nervous system transmits pain.

Danny talks about the relief he found soon after reading Sarno's book and is excited to share his story as well as some of the principles he's learned that continue to help him be mostly pain free. Jess also has had a long history of battling chronic pain and also shares some really helpful tools and resources.

If you have questions or want to talk with Danny email him at

wasperjaws@gmail.com

Follow Danny's band on Instagram: @wasperjaws

Check out the previous episode he was on (#6, "Stories, Songwriting, and Sparks of Creativity").

**Disclaimer: this episode is for educational purposes only. We are not medical professionals and if someone has pain they should be under the care of a medical provider to make sure they don’t have a more critical condition needing treatment. We hope that these stories and resources might help you find some tools to help with your pain.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

John Sarno's book--Healing Back Pain: The Mind Body Connection

2020 interview with John Sarno

Curable resource

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Finding the Right Balance Between Serving and Self Care with Jared and Sarah McCrory

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess are joined by Sarah and Jared McCrory to talk about everything from soul care to seeking the easy yoke of Jesus to discovering new purpose and taking courageous risks of faith.

They tell relatable stories of wrestling with the trap of a faith identity rooted in performance for God instead of resting in our belovedness as children of God. They also share stories about their journey from being burned out missionaries (in over their heads in Pakistan) to finding health, wholeness, and new purpose in their everyday now.

They both have lots to say around soul care and cultivating new practices and rhythms that lead to rest and renewal. They also talk about having the courage to start new things and take risks and what this looks like in their marriage.

Sarah has a MA in Counseling and she and Jared launched Sanctuary Counseling and Wellness less than a year ago in Montgomery, Alabama. Jared and Sarah lead "Soul Care Saturdays" at a beautiful place of land near where they live to help facilitate connection with God through contemplation and using soul care practices in a beautiful setting.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

"The Art of Stability" and Becoming More Present to Jesus with Rusty McKie

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess are joined by pastor and ministry leader Rusty McKie to talk about his upcoming book releasing July 16th, pre-order here: The Art of Stability: How Staying Present Changes Everything

Available on Amazon (Digital only)

Rusty is an author, pastor, trauma informed coach, and spiritual director. He's a contributor to the Gospel Coalition and founder of Steadfast Ministries where he helps leaders survive and thrive in ministry. Rusty authored the book Sabbatical, and he is also the director of men’s discipleship at his church in Central Florida and hosts The Art of Stability Podcast.

Rusty's book is really a helpful guide to staying present to our lives even in the chaos and grounding ourselves deeply in Christ. This book answers the question, "What are the practical implications of your union with Christ?" He shows us how better knowing yourself, reorienting, and coming home to yourself leads to a deeper sense of being present with God and others.

Our conversation also steers around the topics of contemplative Christian practices, understanding soul care better, and knowing better how trauma impacts our stories. He also unpacks the ways in which we get lost in the storm, the desert, and face dark nights of the soul. His message is a one of coming home to Jesus.

This is an episode filled with encouraging reminders of the truth of God and the truth of our belovedness. You don't want to miss this conversation!

Steadfast Ministries

Rusty's writing for The Gospel Coalition

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Becoming More Aware, Resilient, and Hopeful with Jessie Vangsnes

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis interviews Jess about her journey of helping people find wholeness and healing in their lives. As an artist, Jess has a great gift of seeing possibility and beauty in places others may not. Her deep compassion and empathy for others, coupled with her hopeful and creative idealism, make her really skilled in helping people find hope in the places in their lives and stories where they've all but abandoned it.

She's a relationship coach (Marriage and Enneagram and Trauma certified) and you can learn more HERE about becoming a client.

Jess also shares about a program she created called Guided PACE. Description: It's a supportive, trauma informed, self-awareness and resilience building tool. With PACE, you will practice becoming aware of patterns, connection, then engage in your unique purpose. You can get into the driver seat of your experience and build resilience. This program can be completed individually, in coaching or within a group.

The two talk about better understanding trauma and discuss how our bodies hold stress. They talk about developing more contemplative practices to better commune with God in the everyday. They also share honestly about their own struggles when it comes to relating to each other and navigating their own relationship struggles.

Mentioned in this episode:

Book: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Setting Boundaries and Building Security in Marriage with Christa Hardin

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Christa Hardin (MA Counseling) joins Travis and Jess again to talk marriage and ways we can become healthier as individuals and within our marriages. Christa helps us unpack what healthy boundaries are, how to establish them for ourselves, for our marriages, and finally in community. Cultivating the ordinary in marriage happens in small conversations and daily micro changes.

Christa shares very vulnerably about her own marriage and how she helps couples find a good balance with their unique boundaries in marriage. If you are feeling frustrated and anxious when it comes to your marriage, or you feel like your needs are not being met in your relationship, this episode will be very helpful for you.

Christa is a former therapist and now does extensive research and coaching for marriages and relationships. She believes in using a combination of general relationship techniques and the Enneagram assessment to provide nuanced care for her clients. Her podcast, "Enneagram+Marriage" has a huge reach and loyal following. Her book, "Enneagram in Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing," released in October 2023, and has achieved bestseller status on both Amazon and Baker Book House.

Mentioned in this episode:

Blog: Boundaries in Marriage by Enneagram Type

Follow Christa: her podcast and other resources

Website: www.enneagramandmarriage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enneagramandmarriage/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/772026686525647
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christa-hardin-b23258120/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@enneagramandmarriage

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

From Valleys to Mountain Peaks: Honoring Our Unique Needs in Marriage with Christa Hardin

Tue, 28 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess are joined by Christa Hardin (MA Counseling) to talk marriages and relationships. She brings wise perspective on the various stages of marriages and speaks into the common reality of so many couples feeling they have lost their glow, or spark. Using a mountain analogy, she walks us through the basics needs of relationships all the way up to the mountain top of joy, hope, and purpose in marriage. Christa gives sound counsel for those of us who are currently in a darker place and just can't seem to see the hope. We hope you will be as inspired as we were to engage in healthier relationship practices and to look at your own marriage with fresh eyes.

Mentioned in this episode:

Book: Setting Boundaries That Stick

Follow Christa: her podcast and other resources

Website: www.enneagramandmarriage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enneagramandmarriage/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/772026686525647
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christa-hardin-b23258120/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@enneagramandmarriage

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Kindling Creativity and Coming Alive with Artist Tamara Brown

Tue, 21 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, professional artist Tamara Brown joins Travis and Jess and shares her inspiring story of becoming a self-made artist and entrepreneur after leaving the corporate world. Her unlikely journey led her to gaining a licensed partnership in 2011 with a major national greeting card company and her designs were featured on cards in Walmart, Target, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Today Tamara owns a successful art and design business, Tamara Brown Art, where she also does custom work.

Growing up in Charleston, SC Tamara describes being immersed in a place full of vibrant textures and colors. Much of her art today is still inspired by those sparkly moments of childlike wonder in her coastal upbringing.

Tamara shares about the process of finding her artistic voice and her evolution as an artist. The conversation steers into things like the creative process and what it means to image God through our creativity in all kinds of ways. Tamara has lots to say around people finding their gifts and honing their craft --no matter your age! She talks about her journey of being a small business owner and the ways she continues to finds inspiration in the ordinary around her. Tamara has a deep and rich faith and talks about the cool ways God gives back to her through her gift. She also shares how her art connects her to others in all kinds of ways.

Checkout Tamara's website and her art available for purchase

Follow Tamara on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tamarabrownart/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Books:

The Christian Imagination: The Practice of Faith in Literature and Writing

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life into a Work of Art

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Foster Care: An Often Unseen Social Crisis That Needs Your Attention

Tue, 14 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess talk all things foster care in light of May being National Foster Care Awareness Month. They both work for the national org, America's Kids Belong whose mission is to improve the outcomes and experiences for kids in foster care. Travis and Jess are former foster and adoptive parents and are very passionate in helping others discover their "why" to get engaged in this issue. There is a vast shortage of foster families. There is a vast shortage of those supporting foster families. We can all do better. We need to because lives and the futures of some of the most vulnerable in our country are hanging in the balance.

French writer Simone Weil famously once said, "Attention is rarest and purest form of generosity." Foster care needs our attention. It needs our gifts, abilities, and experiences. It needs us. Whether that's being foster parents or supporting foster families in our communities. We can all play a role doing something ordinary for extraordinary ends.

They unpack common questions and comments like:

What is the US foster care system?
Why are kids in foster care?
What does it take to be a foster parent?
What is the licensing process like?
What are common myths and misconceptions around foster care?
"I'd get too attached."
"I want to start, but my spouse isn't interested."
"What about my bio kids?"

And plenty more . . .

They also share personal stories and insights on their own experiences as foster parents and about their work at America's Kids Belong. They also talk about adoption from foster care. This is a jam packed episode where our hope is that you'll learn more about foster care and consider taking steps to find an entry point into engaging this space. Your involvement can change lives in numerous ways.

Here are some great resources from America's Kids Belong to get you started on your journey:

Explore Fostering

Explore Adoption

Support Foster Families

Engage Your Church

Engage Your Business

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Book: To the End of June: The Intimate Life of American Foster Care

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Beauty Unveiled: Illuminating Our Ordinary Through Art, Nature, and Friendship with Michelle Wegner

Tue, 07 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Travis and Jess are joined by Michelle Wegner to discuss the topic of beauty. They talk about beauty and its relationship to God, our souls, and why we need beauty in our lives. There's a fascinating connection between beauty, grace, and truth that the three also discuss. As the Benedictines say, "Beauty is truth shining into being."

Michelle serves as the Director of Soul Care and Spiritual Formation at KC Underground in Shawnee, Kansas. She is the owner/founder of Illuminate the Ordinary, a venture aimed at illuminating lives through art, beauty, and soul friendship. She is also currently working on her Doctor of Ministry in Theological Studies at Kairos where she is studying the impact of beauty and the soul and God's missional purpose of beauty.

Michelle shares some stories around her journey that led to exploring beauty as a theological focus after experiencing healing and feeling God's presence in quiet, ordinary but beautiful spaces. She shares ways people can extract beauty from life in the everyday as we shift our perspective and see the world around us differently. We look at some examples of God's prioritization of beauty in the Bible.

Michelle and Travis also discuss the differences between the Protestant and Catholic imaginations theologically and how this impacts the exploration of beauty in art, worship, and writing. There's a lot more in this podcast on the subject of beauty and wonder in this lively discussion.

As part of Michelle's research, she is looking for stories from people who God is using beauty to draw to himself. She'd love to interview you if you have a story to share. EMAIL her at: michelledwegner@gmail.com

She's also collecting feedback for her research in a brief survey on beauty. You can help her out and submit your answers here.

Follow Michelle on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDWegner

Also referenced in this episode:

Book: Beauty: Rediscovering the True Sources of Compassion, Serenity, and Hope by John O' Donahue

The Soul Care Institute

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Seeing More Clearly When Your Eyes Become Dim, Disoriented, and Despairing

Thu, 02 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Many of us long to escape our difficult lives and the contexts we live in. We wish we could see things with the joy and child like wonder we used to have. Marcel Proust once said, "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." Travis and Jess discuss the things that cloud our eyesight and what it means to have new and "shiny eyes." Travis talks about the vision behind writing his book, Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope. Towards the end of the episode, they read a section of the book together.

The two also share about some of the things they are currently up to. They talk about their monthly soul care newsletter. SIGN UP HERE. And they share about their new rest and retreat getaway--Shiny Eyes Retreat-- available to rent near the Great Smokies in East Tennessee. FIND OUT MORE HERE:

Follow Shiny Eyes Retreat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=shiny%20eyes%20retreat

Questions about retreats, coaching, or soul care groups email: shinyeyesretreat@gmail.com

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Finding Meaning in Our Stories Through the Words of Others with Bob Harding

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess engage with Bob Harding on a fun and lively conversation around seeing the world and finding meaning in our stories through quotes. Bob is the pastor at CrossLife Church in Spartanburg, SC. He wrote the foreword to Travis' book Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope.

He and Travis have a huge love of quotes and talk about why this is for each of them. They also discuss some of their favorite quotes around the topics of wonder, adventure, the corruption of power, understanding our belovedness, and seeing God at work in the everyday.

Jess shares a profound quote from Fred Rogers. Interestingly, Bob has a really cool story about Mr. Rogers talking to his son on the phone years ago. His words left an imprint on Bob and has influenced how he listens to and responds to those he meets today. Words enrich our lives and help us see things in ourselves, others, and the world around us in new ways.

Quotes discussed in the podcast:

Being beloved is our identity, the core of our existence. It is not merely a lofty thought, an inspiring idea, or one name among many. It is the name by which God knows us and the way He relates to us. Brennan Manning

What kind of Christian can best endure suffering? That Christian doesn’t exist. I could handle your problems easily. You could handle mine with a yawn. But it didn’t happen that way. I got the ones I couldn’t handle; so did you. Gene Edwards

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, covered in scars, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming “Yahoo, what a ride!” Bear Grylls

There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in. Graham Greene

Power puts everyone to sleep, as much as possible. Its great system, the great method is that of putting to sleep, anesthetizing, or, better yet, atrophying. Atrophying what? Atrophying the heart of the human person, our needs and desires, imposing an image of desire and need that is different from the boundless urge we have in our heart." Luigi Giussani

Our culture has filled our heads but emptied our hearts, stuffed our wallets but starved our wonder. It has fed our thirst for facts but not for meaning or mystery. It produces "nice" people, not heroes. Peter Kreeft

CrossLife Church in Spartanburg, SC

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Every Moment Sacred: Inspiring Insights From Firefighter and Pastor Jeremy Sparks

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, bi-vocational pastor, Jeremy Sparks joins Travis on a thought provoking conversation around Jeremy's unique vantage of seeing the world through the lenses of being both a pastor and firefighter. These two roles remind Jeremy everyday just how fleeting life is. The two discuss Jeremy's vision and heart for the church he planted 10 years ago in South Carolina. They also talk about Jeremy's work as a fire fighter and some of what that world entails.

Jeremy shares about the bi-directional inspiration and influence these two very different vocations have on one another for him. His leadership, service, and sense of calling and community are all refined powerfully in both. Interestingly, each world also helps sharpen his understanding of the other.

He talks about seeing all of life as worship and that there is not one calling that is more sacred over the other. Jeremy has some great tips to share also on creating rhythms in our lives to be healthier. He has a huge heart for Jesus, for people, and seeing people released into their passions to glorify God and illuminate the world with the hope that is within them.

Check out Heritage Fellowship in Clinton, SC

Follow on Instagram: heritagefellowship_clinton

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeritageFellowshipClinton

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Holy Hospitality: Creating Spaces of Welcoming, Beauty, and Safety with Kaylene Derksen

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess talk all facets of hospitality with their friend and President of the Soul Care Institute, Kaylene Derksen. There's plenty of laughs at the outset as the conversation steers around Northern accents, cows, and reminiscing about growing up on farms in the upper Midwest.

Kaylene and her husband Jimm are gifted in the area of hospitality and see this as a space we can all learn to grow more in. Kaylene powerfully describes "the heart of hospitality" and how God created the world in all its original beauty and goodness as an act of great grace for us. As image bearers of God, she reminds us that we live lives full of opportunities to also create places that are beautifully hospitable and welcoming. Kaylene also reminds of the great lengths Jesus went to demonstrating and valuing hospitality in his earthly ministry.

The conversation later turns to talking about how hospitality and spaces of welcoming and safety are so much part of soul care. Kaylene also describes the importance of hospitality when it comes to times of grief and how important it is to cultivate safe, welcoming spaces to process loss.

Mentioned in the podcast:

Soul care retreats and resources at the Soul Care Institute

Follow on Instagram: @soul_care_institute

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulcareinstitute

Song: "Loved" by Leslie Odom Jr.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVvEePHJkKk

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Discerning God's Presence and Purpose in Your Story Through Spiritual Direction with Steve Smith (Part 2)

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Travis and Jess host Steve Smith again in this part 2 episode, where they talk about the ministry of spiritual direction. At its core, spiritual direction is about companioning with someone who helps discern where God has been and is at work in one's life through intentional listening and prayer. It's really less about "direction" and more about being a witness to someone's life and story as a "soul friend." Spiritual direction is about helping someone care for their soul. It's being asked as Steve often does, "What's happening in you as you are living your outer life?"

Christianity has a rich history of spiritual direction throughout the Bible and continuing on in the early church. As John Bartunek says, "God’s normal mode of operation is to guide and enlighten us by a combination of direct and indirect action; he stirs our souls and open our minds and gives us insights, but he helps us make sense out of them through the assistance of our fellow-travelers."

Steve is Travis' fellow traveler and has been his spiritual director for over a year now. The two share insights and stories about their journey of walking out their soul friendship together through spiritual direction. Jessie also has a spiritual director and shares her thoughts and experiences throughout the episode.

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

Spiritual direction resources at Anam Cara

Steve's book: Soul Custody: Choosing to Care for the One and Only You

More related resources:

Resources on spiritual direction HERE

Book: Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith

Steve's resources:

https://www.pottersinn.com/

https://www.soulcareinstitute.com/

Soul Care Conversations Podcast

https://www.pottersinn.com/podcast

Steve's books

https://www.pottersinn.com/store-new

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Soul Care and Learning to Live the Abundant Life of Jesus with Steve Smith (Part 1)

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess interview their good friend and mentor Steve Smith. After years of relentlessly chasing the intoxication of results and "success" in ministry as a pastor, Steve was beyond burnout at a large church in 1996. It was then that he received the life giving guidance and soul care direction from his mentor, Dallas Willard (beloved philosopher, writer, and theologian).

After regaining his footing, Steve had a newfound energy, hope, and purpose. He and his wife Gwen embarked on a new journey into the world of soul care where they've helped ministry and marketplace leaders return to wholeness and healing for nearly 30 years.

Steve and Gwen went on to found Potters Inn and later The Soul Care Institute to provide resources and immersive retreats to fulfill the mission of creating "a space for people to become present to God and care for the deep longings of the soul." Steve has authored many books on soul care and has a long running podcast called Soul Care Conversations.

Steve shares insights on what it means to care for the soul and why caring for the soul is crucial to living "the abundant life of Jesus." Interwoven in this conversation are personal anecdotes and raw and honest stories from Steve on his journey from "hemorrhaging" to finding healing. Steve shares about the importance of knowing and living into our belovedness in the eyes of the Father. He gives some helpful questions to triage our weary souls and then gives some really foundational aspects to "learning to live with the soul in mind." This podcast could not come at a better time for most of us. We need Steve's words and guidance as many of us find ourselves weary, anxious, burned out, and struggling to know the first thing about soul care.

Steve's resources mentioned in the podcast:

https://www.pottersinn.com/

https://www.soulcareinstitute.com/

Soul Care Conversations Podcast

https://www.pottersinn.com/podcast

Steve’s poem “Belovedness”

https://pottersinn.substack.com/p/belovedness

Steve's books

https://www.pottersinn.com/store-new

Other books mentioned:

Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World

The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self Discovery

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Overcoming Tragedies: Joy, Worship, and Contentment with Serena Salmans

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess engage their friend Serena Salmans on a conversation that centers around joy and contentment through tragedy and adversity. Serena suffered a traumatic brain injury in high school and talks about dramatically feeling God's providence and presence in the midst of those hard days.

They also talk about foster care and the difficulties and joys of being foster parents. Uncertainty is a reality for every foster parent and there were many twists and turns in their journey, which finally ended in adoption.

Serena goes on to share about her difficult stillbirth and all the emotions and grief that went with losing a baby. Serena has a really positive life outlook and as an Enneagram 7 often looks for the silver linings in things, however some tragedies are just inescapably painful. She admits that to heal and really grieve her loss she had to sit with the suffering. Again, in this dark chapter of her life she would come to realize and be reminded that she and her husband weren't sitting alone. God was sitting with them and in their grief. Holding them. But it wasn't the end of the story.

Serena is a worship leader in her church. She shares about her recent paradigm shift when it comes to worship. She says, “Worship for me is will I be content in this season?" "Will I find joy in the everyday life of staying home?" Serena’s life outlook has changed and she challenges us to look differently at our lives.

Follow Serena on Instagram:

@senajoysal

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Poetry and the Power of Our Words with Sahn Dove

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Sahn Dove, aka "Sahn the Poet," joins Travis and Jess on the podcast in a conversation on words, poetry, and insights about her spoken word craft. Sahn's biggest source of inspiration is her husband, Dove Dupree, who is also a spoken word poet and musician. She's also been deeply influenced and inspired by spoken word artists, Jay Ward and Ayanna Albertson-Gay.

Sahn talks about her writing journey and finding her voice. Never imagining that someday that little girl with a gift for words and writing would someday be on stages performing her written art and competing in poetry slams. She talks about the enormous power of words and how they can help inspire, motivate, and reimagine things. Harnessed in negative ways they can bitterly divide, hurt, and attack. For Sahn, God walks closely in her artistic journey and she commits to being careful to use her words in ways that unify and bring healing, hope, and redemption. Sahn performs two spoken word poems in the podcast: "Drowning" and "Black Boy Joy." This conversation has plenty to reflect on and makes you think.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Book

Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making

Follow Sahn here:

Instagram: @sahnthepoet

For inquiries: sahnthepoet@gmail.com

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

How Someone With No Voice Is Being Heard the Loudest with Dan Vangsnes (Part 2)

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis hosts his brother Dan for a part two conversation. This time the topic centers around their brother Jeremy's life and the past and present stories of him deeply impacting others despite having no voice. Jeremy suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in a car accident in 2009 and has not been able to speak. He is able to communicate by moving his leg/arm to spell or through using an assistive communication device.

They unpack some interesting and dramatic stories of how God has providentially used Jeremy's joy and his message of hope to reach others in need of it. They talk about encounters with pastors, nurses, and doctors (the ones caring for Jeremy) and how they've likely often left those interactions cared for and inspired by him. They reminisce about an interesting FaceTime call they had with the punk band MXPX several years ago where Jeremy shared a message with the band.

Jeremy's also painted and played music with his foot. He has a website that he named and his brother Dan recently created a newsletter that shares more about Jeremy's life. Lots of good stuff in this episode.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Jeremy's website:

JOY IN DESPAIR

Video of Jeremy playing the "Feetar"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qXqUHBTpsE

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Glimmering Hope in the Dark Shadows of Suffering with Dan Vangsnes (Part 1)

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis hosts his brother Dan as they look back at the journey of suffering and adversity that their family has endured since 2009. That summer three of Travis' brothers were in a tragic rollover car wreck in Montana that changed the trajectory of their lives and the family's forever. Jeremy was originally pronounced dead and then given a bleak prognosis after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Dan was also fighting for his life in a separate ICU at the time. Their dad, Mark, led the family with a heroic charge into the darkness of the unknown and dedicated his life to being Jeremy's caretaker until he was no longer able.

Travis and Dan recount this journey and the stories along the way that involve unexplainable miracles, unbelievable discoveries, and supernatural hope that only God could provide at times that were otherwise utterly hopeless. They talk about the ways Jesus was with their family every step of the way and how he continues to be today.

They spend a good amount of time throughout the episode highlighting their brother Jeremy and his story and life. They discuss his long journey of recovery and healing. Jeremy was a former All-American collegiate runner and to this day is trapped within his body's limitations, cannot speak, spends time between a bed and a wheelchair, is tube fed, and is dependent on 24-7 care. Somehow despite all of this he radiates joy that lights up a room and is able to communicate in a really unique way. Join us in this conversation!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Jeremy's website:

JOY IN DESPAIR

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Woodworking, Wonder, and Worshipping God Through Our Gifts with Everett Conaway

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis engages in a fascinating conversation with Everett Conaway on the art of woodworking and the themes of beauty, creativity, and wonder. Everett also shares thoughts on how his faith converges with his craft and how he sees/feels God's presence in the workshop. The two also discuss worshipping God through our gifts and imaging him in small acts of creating things. Everett shares about how his woodworking hobby grew into a small business where he now creates everything from small custom gifts to custom furniture of all kinds (check it out below).

There's a powerful, unplanned seeming "God wink" moment that happens during their conversation. Travis and Everett also reminisce on a cool story about a special musical instrument Everett designed that allows Travis' disabled brother Jeremy to make music. All this and much more! Join our conversation.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Everett's woodworking business:

6th Interval Designs

Follow on Instagram: @6th_interval_designs

Video of Jeremy playing the "Feetar"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qXqUHBTpsE

Book:

The Christian Imagination: The Practice of Faith in Literature and Writing

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Adventures in Travel and the Misadventures of Buying a Greyhound Bus

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess have a conversation around travel and discuss the fun of seeing new places and experiencing new things. They talk about how these experiences also lead us to cultivate more wonder and curiosity as we journey into the unknown. You'll hear about the time Travis bought a Greyhound bus off Ebay and how that turned out. They share about a recent cross country trip and about some lessons learned along the way.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Stories, Songwriting, and Sparks of Creativity with Danny Smith of Wasperjaws

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess talk with their good friend Danny Smith-lead singer/songwriter for the band Wasperjaws. They reminisce on meeting one another over a decade ago while working at a children's home in South Carolina. Danny talks about the story behind Wasperjaws' name and the adventures of forming a local four piece band as a fun side project with his wife Ashley and friends.

Danny shares an amazing story involving their newest album getting shared by one of members of The Avett Brothers on Instagram. The three talk about the creative process, the art of storytelling, and what inspires Danny's songwriting. He plays a couple of songs from their latest album (recorded during the podcast). The conversation has plenty of stories, laughs, and thoughts about life.

WASPERJAWS:

Find their music on all the platforms here:

Follow on Instagram: @wasperjaws

Check out their upcoming show on February 17th in Laurens, SC

Click here for more info:

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Stuck Like Glue: Connecting and Creating Security in Marriage

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess discuss marriage and what it means to seek better connection in the everyday together. Jess shares what she finds really beautiful lately and the answer surprised Travis. They talk about what it looks like to "live unhurried" and be more present. They also share about ways to repair and restore connection following conflicts. They give some really easy and practical tools that will help you move through conflicts and find each other in the everyday.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Nate Bargatze on marriage fights

Books:

Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You

How We Love: Discover Your Love Style, Enhance Your Marriage

App:

ONE MINUTE PAUSE APP: Christian contemplative resource by John Eldridge

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

When Sparks Fly: Navigating Marriage Conflicts With Resilience

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

**This is the first of a two part series on conflict and connection in relationships.

In this episode, Travis and Jess (trauma informed, Enneagram and Marriage coaches) share honestly about their own struggles when it comes to navigating conflict in healthy ways in their marriage. They talk about the three ways people generally respond to conflict. After this, they unpack the three common core stories that impact every conflict. They also discuss the stages of every healthy relationship and share some additional tools and resources they are using to try in grow in this area.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Keys to Setting Better Goals and Creating Life Changing Habits

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, our discussion centers around the topic of New Year's resolutions (and lofty goals) and why up to 80% of them fail for most of us. Travis and Jessie talk about their own New Year's resolutions. Travis goes on a rabbit trail about beards and shares about his New Year's goal around better beard grooming and "bearding responsibly" in 2024. Jessie talks about her unique workplace setting.

They share tips and paradigm shifting resources they've learned that help us better achieve our goals and resolutions. They discuss rhythms and creating space for new habits to take root. They also talk about being the beloved of God and leaning into this reality.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Books:

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence: A Journey to Personal and Professional Success

The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

A Beautifully Adventurous Life: Full of Wonder and Curiosity

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jess talk about the themes of wonder, curiosity, and creativity. They ask questions like: "Where does our childlike wonder go?" and "How can boredom lead to curiosity?" They also discuss how God can sometimes dramatically show up in our moments of creativity and curiosity and spark something special.

You'll also hear about how they met on a bizarre online dating site where Travis posted a picture of himself riding a llama. They also talk about how God led them into the world of foster care and adoption through an unlikely messenger. You'll hear a story about Travis' brother Jeremy (who suffered a traumatic brain injury) and how a powerfully creative idea led to Jeremy creating art. This and much more!

Mentioned in the podcast:

Travis' brother Jeremy suffered a devastating traumatic brain injury in 2009. Check out his story and website:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=END1TnoYh3E&t=4s

https://www.joyindespair.com/

*correction: Travis has only lived in roughly 6 states.

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

Cultivating the Ordinary in the Everyday

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Travis and Jessie introduce themselves and talk about the idea that sparked the podcast. They also describe their vision for who this podcast is for and what it means to "cultivate the ordinary" in the everyday.

Travis reminisces about the difficult journey of caring for his dad with crippling dementia and how he found inspiration just watching him cling on to the goodness of life. He also shares about the inspiration he receives daily from his brother Jeremy who suffered a devastating brain injury 15 years ago. Jessie shares about the places and people she draws inspiration from too. She also shares about how our perceptions are impacted by suffering and trauma. And yet with a resilient mindset, new hopeful discoveries can continue to be born.

Mentioned in the podcast:

Their coaching and soul care resources

A book Travis wrote: Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Shiny Eyes Retreats