Mindful Leader

"This is Water" and our Default Settings

In this episode of Mindful Leader, host Dennis Shaw explores the human tendency towards self-centeredness through the lens of David Foster Wallace's famous "This is Water" commencement speech.

Drawing on Wallace's metaphor of two fish unaware they're swimming in water, Dennis discusses our default human setting: seeing ourselves as the absolute center of the universe. The podcast challenges listeners to become aware of this innate perspective and intentionally choose to see beyond our own immediate experience.

Dennis weaves together insights from theologians like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Richard Rohr to illustrate how personal transformation requires "unlearning" our ego-driven perspectives. Mirroring Wallace, Dennis emphasizes that we have a daily choice: remain trapped in our self-centered default mode or actively cultivate empathy, connection, and a broader understanding of our interconnectedness. Using examples ranging from marathon training to global perspectives, Dennis argues that mindfulness is about recognizing we are active participants in life, not just passive recipients replying on our default, self-absorbed, hard-wired default settings.  

The podcast concludes with a practical challenge: as you go about your daily routine, ask yourself what choices you're making in mundane moments. Are you challenging your default settings? Are you choosing to be "light" and "salt" in the world? The message is hopeful, suggesting that by becoming aware of our natural self-centeredness, we can choose to see the "vast ocean of possibilities" that exists beyond our immediate perception.

Dennis email is HERE.  

"This is Water" -- 2005 Kenyon College Commencement Speech.

 

Michael Smith: Finding Balance in Ministry

Join Dennis Shaw, host of Mindful Leader, as he engages in a compelling conversation with clergy leader Michael Smith of the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church.

In this episode, they explore the critical themes of Soul Care and self-care for clergy and lay leaders within the church. Dennis and Michael share their personal experiences and insights into finding harmony between vocational responsibilities, personal life, and spiritual well-being.

The discussion highlights the challenges clergy face in balancing their roles as leaders, parents, spouses, and individuals. They emphasize the importance of not only managing church growth and leadership but also nurturing one's own soul and identity beyond the clergy role. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, the episode offers a roadmap for clergy to prioritize their well-being while effectively serving their congregations.

For anyone involved in church leadership or seeking inspiration to maintain a healthy balance in life, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on achieving both personal fulfillment and professional effectiveness.

A Transcript is HERE.  Expires in April.  

I owe you a link to David Foster Wallace:  This is Water.  

Dennis email is HERE.  

Thomas Risager: Episcopal Candidate for Nordic and Baltic Central Conference

This is a rebroadcast from 2023!

In this episode of Mindful Leader, host Dennis Shaw revisits a 2023 conversation with Thomas Risager, a pastor in the Danish United Methodist Church who is a candidate for the Episcopacy in the Nordic and Baltic Central Conference in early April.  

They explore the unique religious landscape of Denmark, where a small percentage of the population attends church despite the majority being church members. Thomas shares insights on how Danish churches are adapting to modern challenges, employing music, especially gospel choirs, as an evangelism tool to connect with the community.

Through anecdotes and heartfelt dialogue, this episode offers a profound look at the evolving role of the church in a secularized society and the innovative ways in which faith leaders are fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection in today's world.

Dr. Lucy Lind Hogan: Episode 2 -- Leading Prophetically

Welcome to Mindful Leader. Your host is Dennis Shaw, a retired elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church, as he delves into the topic of leadership within the local church.

In this two episode conversation, Dennis talks with Dr. Lucy Hogan, Professor Emerita of Preaching and Worship at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Several sites with summaries of Dr. Hogan's distinguished credentials are: 

• Wesley Theological Seminary
• Working Preacher
• Ministry Matters

Last week (on Podbean) is here.  

Dennis and Dr. Hogan discuss the importance of community, highlighting that being prophetic is not a solitary journey but one engaged in communal fellowship, challenging status quos, and offering hope.

Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflection, the episode urges leaders to embrace empathy and imagination, cultivate courage, and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide their prophetic voice. Whether tackling social concerns or offering a pastoral approach to preaching, the episode encourages a new perspective on leadership that honors both individual and collective gifts in the pursuit of justice and truth.

Anamnesis and Prolepsis defined here.  We play with this idea a little.  

We mention in the podcast preaching professor Leonora Tisdale.  Here is her Yale Divinity School information and here is the book discussed. 

Transcript here and this expires March 31, 2025.  

Dennis email is here

I try and weekly recommend an excellent podcast.  Today, that is here.  This is Bari Weiss speech to the Federalist Society receiving the Olson award.  Powerful.  Should you listen, ask if Weiss is speaking the truth to power.  I am an admirer of Bari.  

Share, share, share!

Dr. Lucy Hogan: Prophetic Leadership in the Church Today -- Episode 1

 

Welcome to Mindful Leader. Your host is Dennis Shaw, a retired elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church, as he delves into the topic of leadership within the local church.

In this two episode conversation, Dennis talks with Dr. Lucy Hogan, Professor Emerita of Preaching and Worship at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Several sites with summaries of Dr. Hogan's distinguished credentials are: 

• Wesley Theological Seminary
• Working Preacher
• Ministry Matters

Dr. Hogan shares her insights on leading prophetically in today's interesting times, underlining the importance of speaking truth to power. The conversation explores how both clergy and laity can engage in prophetic leadership, drawing on examples from church history and modern-day scenarios.

The episode starts with a reflection from the headlines in January, 2025. It highlights inspiring stories and challenges faced by leaders who seek to navigate the intersection of faith and societal issues, inviting listeners to reflect on their roles in the broader community. This is Episode 1 of a thought-provoking, two-episode, discussion that encourages courage, humility, and love in leadership.

Transcript, in theory, is HERE.  (Have been experiencing a few difficulties here. Don't hesitate to send me a note.)

Episode 2 will be released on March 3, 2025.

Share, share, share!

Dennis email is HERE.  

Dr. George Thompson Explores Church Leadership at the Edge of Somewhere!

 

Welcome to the Mindful Leader podcast hosted by Dennis Shaw, a retired elder from the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church. This episode, features Dr. George Thompson, and we focus on leadership development in local churches. Dr. Thompson shares insights from his extensive experience and his book Church on the Edge of Somewhere. exploring the dynamics of church identity, leadership, and the societal influences on congregations.

(The grid that Dennis and Dr. Thompson discuss is shown at the bottom of these show notes.) 

Through engaging dialogue, Dr. Thompson and Dennis discuss the significance of understanding congregations as distinct entities, and how leaders can navigate the complexities of church dynamics. The conversation delves into adaptive leadership, empathetic marginality, and the importance of moving beyond conventional paradigms to inspire meaningful change.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how churches can balance inner commitments with external challenges, explore innovative approaches to congregational leadership, and appreciate the rich, diverse expressions of faith within different community contexts. Join us for an enriching dialogue aimed at empowering church leaders and fostering transformation in today's ever-evolving world.

A link to the book we discussed is HERE. 

Transcript link is HERE.  

Unrelated to this particular podcast, I promised several months ago to share podcasts that animated me, and HERE is a great one on To Kill a Mockingbird.

Dennis email is HERE (and some Podcast services block it out.  It is found HERE if they have blocked it and the HERE at the start of this is not linking.  ).  

The grid we discuss in the show and mentioned above is below ...  

Empowering Local Churches: Leadership Development 101

In this episode, we  delve into the theme of improving the capacity of local churches, using the UMC Mountain Sky Conference as a case study.

This is a continuation in part of a conversation Zach and I had in September (HERE).

Please share if this resonates with you!

Joined by guests Gayla Jo Slauson (Mountain Sky Co-Lay Leader), Mark Calhoun (Wyoming District Superintendent), and Zach Bechtold (Pastor, Bozeman (MT) UMC), the conversation explores how church dynamics can be a mix of tradition and innovation. Zach hosts the discussion and I join the panel for discussion.  We share insights into leadership roles, with a focus on collaborative opportunities and how lay-led churches can grow and thrive. A continuation to work on clearly emerges.  

The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of church management, like finances and resources, and the importance of keeping focus amid distractions. With perspectives from both rural and urban churches, the panelists discuss the challenges and opportunities within church communities, emphasizing the necessity of a clear mission and vision. The episode highlights the vital need for clarity and adaptability in navigating the complex landscape of modern church life.

Draft paper I mention in the show is HERE.  Those that have heard me speak at Annual Conference are probably not surprised that I am a believer when it comes to the positive net benefit from the conference.  

An earlier conversation with Gayla Jo is HERE and Mark is HERE.

Zach co-hosts his own Podcast -- Bearded Theologians.  It is excellent!  

Dennis email is HERE.(Some podcast services do not allow email addresses to be linked.  I don't know why. Dennis at mantuan dot org ... 

Transcript is HERE.  Note:  It doesn't do a good job of making a distinction between Mark and Gayla Jo (and yes, odd.)  I have sent a note to the service.  

The Reinhards: Faith, Fitness, and A Holistic Approach to Wellness

(Note:  Look in the links below for a bonus episode:  the entire, unedited interview.  Excellent Resource!)

Welcome to Mindful Leader, hosted by Dennis Shaw and focused on helping lay and clergy leadership in the local church.  

In this episode, we delve into the realm of health and wellness with guests Steve and Tracy Reinhard. Steve, retired United Methodist Clergy, and Tracy, a Certified Health Coach, join forces to foster greater well-being among individuals and communities.

The episode explores the potential influence of church leadership on promoting health, emphasizing the importance of leaders embodying vitality and progress. Steve shares his journey from retirement to renewed energy, inspired by a holistic health approach, shedding light on the scriptural grounding of self-care.

Tracy discusses the transformation achievable through cultivating foundational health habits. Her personal success story underscores the life-changing impact of embracing lifestyle changes over mere dieting. Together, they stress the significance of a healthy mindset, learning to nurture oneself, and reshaping habits to enhance overall life quality.

This insightful conversation navigates the interplay between community support, personal accountability, and mindful leadership, aiming to inspire listeners toward sustainable changes and a fulfilling, abundant life.

Note:Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan® is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.

 

** Helpful Links **

A bonus episode for this is HERE.  It is the entire hour plus interview.  An excellent resource for more detail and help.  Both the edited version and the unedited interview are excellent resources.  

A Transcript of this podcast is HERE.  

Tracy mentions two books by Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson.  Habits of Health and Lifebook.  

Steve mentions a book by Jim Dethmer and others:  HERE.

An earlier Mindful Leader episode with Ryan Canaday and the effect of alcohol is HERE.  An episode where Dennis talks about a more complete tool belt is HERE.  

Tracy email is HERE. 

Dennis email is HERE.  

OPTAVIA makes no guarantee of financial success. Success with OPTAVIA results from successful sales efforts, which require hard work, diligence, skill, persistence, competence, and leadership. Please see the OPTAVIA Income Disclosure Statement (HERE) for statistics on actual earnings of Coaches.

Steve and Tracy Reinhard Bonus Episode

This is a Bonus episode.  

It is the "unedited" version of Steve, Tracy and my conversation on health, wellness and biblical principles on Mindful Leader.

Rich!  A deep and worthwhile dive!

Note:Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan® is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.

 OPTAVIA makes no guarantee of financial success. Success with OPTAVIA results from successful sales efforts, which require hard work, diligence, skill, persistence, competence, and leadership. Please see the OPTAVIA Income Disclosure Statement (https://optavia.me/IDS) for statistics on actual earnings of Coaches.

The edited version is HERE.  

Dr. Bruce Birch: Sing the Lord's Song in a New Land

(Normal release for this Podcast is Mondays.  I generally post it when it is ready, usually a few days before Mondays.  Note:  it can be shared. A reward to subscribers and those looking for the podcast on their service. A transcript is HERE. The Transcript Service provides the recording, so if you desire, you can listen while you read. (I won't get a count of you logging on, but ... ))

Join Dennis Shaw, host of Mindful Leader, in a compelling conversation with Dr. Bruce Birch, retired Dean Emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

In this episode, they delve into the profound theme of exile as depicted in the Bible and its relevance to today's world. Dr. Birch's expertise in Old Testament and Biblical Theology sheds light on the historical and emotional aspects of exile. He explores how the concept of exile has molded responses in times of crisis, offering hope and a path to renewal.

Through stories from the Biblical era to modern-day challenges, Dr. Birch discusses the importance of turning towards God's new paths, embracing change, and finding new ways to sing the Lord’s song amidst adversity. Whether you are part of a faith community or navigating your personal journey, discover the lessons of resilience, creativity, and community in times of loss and transformation. This engaging dialogue examines how the faithful can find strength and purpose when the familiar is uprooted, encouraging us all to look forward to God's new future beyond nostalgia.

**** Some Potential Links of Value ****

Amanda McDow is the Pastor at Los Angeles First United Methodist and they are singing a new song.  Mindful Leader Podcast is HERE.  

Here is Jonathon Haidt on a different topic than I promised and it is good.  I refund your subscription price if you don't like it!  

The real Haidt talk I am referring to in my conversation with Dr. Birch is HERE -- it is a TED Talk from 2012.  Quite good I felt.  

Next week I expect the Podcast to be on church leadership on health and wellness.  One of the guests is Tracy Reinhard and HERE is a YouTube video of her story.  

Dennis email is HERE.