The Changing Faith Podcast with Michael Hidalgo

On Episode 085 we explore the connection between rhythm, seasons, time and rest, all of which are woven into the fabric of the universe. We will consider together what happens when we live according to a rhythm, and how that produces an awareness of the sacred, which allows us to live full human lives. Enjoy!

On Episode 084 Ted Shimer, author of The Freedom Fight joins us to talk about our brains on p*rn and the impact that has on intimacy, our spiritual lives and its relationship to shame. Over the years, I have walked with countless people through the pain of p*rn addiction. I have seen families wrecked, relationships devastated and lives fall apart. It is a strange thing that people like Billie Eilish, John Mayer and Russel Brand have spoken out about the danger of it. And in the same way magazines like TIME an GQ have also warned about the damage of p*rn. But lately, there seems to be less open talk about it in many Christian circles. So, let's explore this together. To learn more about Ted's work click here.

Molly LaCroix joins the podcast to talk about her new book titled, Restoring Relationships: Transforming Fear into Love Through Connection. Molly walks with us through Internal Family Systems and reflects on the healing that can bring. For those who have experienced pain in relationships - whether betrayal, withholding of forgiveness, abandonment - the lingering question often is, “How do we restore ourselves and these relationships?” And that question is what we will talk about. In this conversation with her, I learned so much and felt invited to continue on the path toward wholeness with a renewed hope. You won’t want to miss this one! Enjoy! To learn more about Molly and her work visit her website here: https://mollylacroix.com and to purchase a copy of her book click here.

Memory is a funny thing, because we often don't remember well. We often cut and paste and edit in such a way that allows us to keep the parts we don't like hidden away. But what if we learned to look back with greater clarity? What if we learned to tell and retell our story in a way that allowed us to see that memory is a part of me and of you? Perhaps this would allow us to live more integrated lives, that would cause us to be more compassionate, loving and tender toward all people regardless of where they may find themselves on their journey. This episode is the one about memory ... and so much more. Enjoy!

Have you ever read a book and thought to yourself, "Yes! Someone is finally putting into words what I have been sensing but couldn't express!" Well, that is how I felt the first time I read the work of Thomas Jay Oord. He is a theologian, philosopher, author, professor and ... a photographer. He joins the podcast to talk about his newest book titled Pluriform Love. You can learn more about his work on his website: http://thomasjayoord.com - enjoy!

On this episode we observe how bitching - everything from complaining, to calling out, cancelling, tearing down, and character assassinations - are often seen as necessary, and, at times, as the right thing to do. But is there a better way to bring about much-needed and long overdue change? Perhaps there are some questions we can consider together to those who learn to do and live better. Also, for more information on the details for The Blueprint and to register with a discount as a podcast listener visit: https://www.michael-hidalgo.com/blueprint-retreat . Enjoy!!

On this episode I share why The Changing Faith Podcast went off the air for most of 2021, what I was doing during "radio silence" and what I learned and am learning. In all of that, I am thrilled to be back together with all of you! Additionally, I share about The Blueprint Retreat - the only one I am doing in 2022. You can register and learn more about the retreat here: https://www.michael-hidalgo.com/blueprint

Allison Del Fium joins the Podcast to discuss a word that is thrown around a lot these days: Deconstruction. While deconstruction is needed and tremendously important, there is work on the other side of that too. So what does that process look like? How do we take steps forward? What do we keep and what do we toss? These are some of the questions we explore together. Enjoy!

Atlanta. Boulder. Two more mass shootings that cast us quickly into familiar territory. On this episode we reflect on violence and how it's always been a part of our nation's history. A part of our story that is our national sickness.

One year ago everything shut down, we were forced indoors, ordering takeout became commonplace, Tiger King was a thing, we learned about working at home, our kids were thrown into the world of online learning … our world was reshaped overnight. We were thrown into the unknown. We had zero idea of what we were in the middle of. Today, a year later, we know a bit more, we have adjusted to pandemic life, but we still don’t really know what’s around the corner for us. On this episode we explore a few reflections on this season about memory, time, the future and some thoughts on where we are on our journey. Enjoy!

On this episode, first time author, Ryan Taylor joins us to talk about his new book Awkward Spirituality: The Divinity of Ordinary Life. Ryan reflects on his spiritual journey among those many may consider irrelevant, and how he has learned that “wasting time” is a worthwhile endeavor. Ryan is a pastor of Urban Mercy Church and Chaplain of Network Coffee House, a hospitality house for Denver’s chronically unhoused. Ryan and his wife Angela have two boys, Josiah and Micah and live her in Denver, Colorado.

Ben Higgins, joins us on the podcast to talk about his new book titled, Alone in Plain Sight: Searching for Connection When You are Seen but Not Known. We explore the reality of how many of us feel lonely and isolated and what can lead us toward greater connection. Ben is best known from Season 20 of The Bachelor - but more importantly he is deeply passionate about his faith, his hope for humanity, and his love of sports. In 2017 Ben co-founded Generous International, a for-purpose company dedicated to contributing profits to social issues around the world. He is also a part of Humanity & Hope, an organization dedicated to empowering people through self-directed, sustainable change in six key areas: infrastructure, economy, community, health, education, and leadership. Enjoy listening!

Bunmi Laditan joins the podcast on this episode to talk about her new book titled Dear God: Honest Prayers to a God Who Listens. Her candor, experience and wit invites all of us to be more raw, honest and authentic in our spiritual journeys. Bunmi is an award winning, Webby nominated writer and a regular contributor to Parenting.com, Mothering.com, iVillage.com, and The Huffington Post - and the author of several books including The Honest Toddler and Confessions of a Domestic Failure. You can find her newest book here and learn more about Bunmi here. Enjoy!

One of the voices I trust and respect to lend wisdom and insight in the midst of these difficult days is the voice of my friend Jonathan Merritt. Many of you sent in questions and topics (in fact, too many for us to cover) and we sat down together to reflect and respond to what you shared with us. To learn more about Jonathan and his work, you can visit his website: jonthanmerritt.com. Enjoy!

On the Christmas 2020 Episode we explore an overlooked Christmas Prayer. Historically and traditionally there have been three prayers (or canticles) surrounding the Christmas Story; The Magnificat, The Benedictus and The Nunc Dimittis. But there is another prayer tucked into Luke’s gospel around the Christmas story; one that does not get much attention. But if we pay close attention, it has the power to teach us something foundational. Enjoy!

On this Episode Dr. Timothy Royer joins us again to talk about the importance of sleep, and its impact on us physically, emotionally and spiritually. He shares about sleep architecture, what happens in our brains and bodies when we sleep, and just how complex sleep really is. Tim is a neuropsychologist based out of Grand Rapids, MI and is the founder of Royer Neuroscience you can learn more about him and his work here.

On this episode Scott Erickson (a.k.a Scott the Painter) joins us to talk about his latest book titled Honest Advent. It is a mixture of art and reflections that invite us to greater contemplation of this season. In doing so, it brings us face-to-face with the hope and wonder and the healing this season offers. To learn more about Scott you can visit his website here: https://www.scottericksonart.com. Click here purchase a copy of Honest Advent. Enjoy the episode!

In the second of two parts, we explore two more questions about nonviolence. First, why does this subject often elicit strong (and often negative) responses from us? And second: What does it matter anyway? We spend time considering the history of nonviolence, its place in the context of Empire and how it has the power to liberate - both us and others - and bring true and lasting peace. Enjoy!

Nonviolence is a fascinating idea that has spawned endless conversations and debates. On this episode, part one of two, we add to the conversation by asking two questions about nonviolence. First, What is nonviolence? Second, Does the Christian Tradition have anything to say about it? Enjoy!

This episode is an Election Day Special. Jon Huckins joins us on the podcast to talk about what it means for us to live as responsible citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven in the midst of the Empire of the United States. He explores how this can lead us to observe the way our society is ordered, our place in it and how this might impact the way we vote. To learn more about his work, visit https://globalimmerse.org