Cyd Holsclaw - Podcast Details

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Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation116 Neurodiversity and Attachment: Bridging the Gap (with Barbara Grant)Does neurodiversity impact relational attachments? What does secure and insecure attachment look like for those who aren’t neurotypical?In this episode of the Attachment to God podcast, hosts Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw are joined by Barbara Grant, a specialist in autism and neurodiverse couples coaching. They talk about how neurodiversity impacts relational attachments and spiritual practices, particularly in the context of secure and insecure attachment. Barbara Grant, holds a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Certified Autism Specialist (IBCCES) and a certified Neurodiverse Couples Coach (AANE). She edited and is one of the aut...2025-06-0340 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation114 The Dynamics of Anxiety and Faith (with Steve Cuss)In this episode of the Attaching to God podcast, hosts Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw welcome Steve Cuss. They delve into the nature of anxiety, different coping mechanisms, and how these dynamics affect relationships, including one's relationship with God. Steve highlights the importance of addressing reactivity, identifying false needs, and fostering supportive environments within leadership teams. The episode also touches on creating inclusive spaces for minorities in leadership and discusses Steve's future project of developing an anxiety assessment tool. The conversation is engaging and insightful, offering practical tips for leaders striving to create healthier, more resilient communities.2025-05-1646 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation112 Courage to Commit: Why Embracing Religion Still Matters (with Ross Douthat)Host Geoff Holsclaw engages with New York Times columnist and author Ross Douthat. They discuss the enduring relevance and shifting perceptions of religion in a scientific and secular age, driven by Douthat’s book Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious. The conversation navigates the historical impact of new atheism, the existential malaise in youth culture, and a generational gap in religious knowledge. Douthat elaborates on his rationale for advocating religion not just for its therapeutic or social benefits but also for its intellectual robustness. Topics covered include the persistence of supernatural experiences, the case for comm...2025-05-0744 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation110 Armoring Up, Anxiety, and Finding the Right-Sized God (with Lisa Cuss)In this episode of the Attaching to God podcast, hosted by Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw of Embodied Faith, licensed therapist Lisa Cuss joins the conversation.Lisa shares her journey from teaching to becoming a therapist, her focus on trauma and attachment-informed modalities, and her work with Capable Life alongside her husband, Steve Cuss. The discussion delves into the complexities of anxiety, personal and collective grief, and the transformative process of attachment both to oneself and to God. Lisa highlights the importance of being seen and comforted by God, the role of trauma in shaping behavior, a...2025-04-2945 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation091 How A Psychologist Came to Believe in Miracles…and More (Book Conversation)Geoff and Cyd talk about the impact of reading Why I Believe: A Psychologist's Thoughts on Suffering, Miracles, Science, and Faith, by Dr. Henry Cloud, specifically...the place of miracles and healing in mental health concerns, how encountering God often precedes evidence for God,and, the power of open systems and God at work in the world. From the book's blurb: "World-renowned psychologist and leadership expert Henry Cloud has impacted millions of lives through his groundbreaking books and through his work coaching leaders of...2024-09-1030 min

Broken to Beloved Podcast009: Exploring the Four Landscapes of Attachment with Geoff & Cyd HolsclawHave you heard of Attachment Theory? Have you ever found yourself lost in the language and terminology? Have you wondered if your less-than-perfect childhood and history of abuse or trauma means you're stuck in a specific styleGeoff and Cyd Holsclaw offer simple, easy to understand language around the concept of Attachment using the visual landscapes of the Pasture, Jungle, Desert, and War Zone. By laying a foundation of joy, Geoff and Cyd explain how our capacity for intimacy and independence can help us move us toward more healthy and whole relationships.They...2024-08-2755 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation090 Risky Play, Fun, and the Life of FaithWhy do kids climb trees, run really fast, and spin until they fall over? What is the benefit of risky play? And what does that have to do with attaching to God and our spiritual life?In this episode, we look at the research regarding play and how it connects to attaching to God.Baggage Claim: Don't miss the new segment where we finish by claiming some overproductive tendencies we share. Resources: The Circle of Security (website)"Decline in Independent Activity as a Cause of Decline in Children’s Me...2024-07-2523 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation089: Our Attachment Wounds and God's Promise (with Summer Joy Gross)Emmanuel—God with us. We have heard this promise of God’s presence. But might our attachment wounds skew, distort, or hinder us from embracing this reality? Do we live as slaves to our attachment strategies rather than as beloved children of God? And how can we learn to do something different in our spiritual lives?Summer Joy Gross is an Anglican priest, retreat leader, and spiritual director whose work is guided by the belief that our stories can be transformed by God's invitation to make his love our home base. She is associate faculty of spiritual form...2024-05-1435 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation088: Don't Do Nothing about Mental Health in the ChurchThere is an innate need in all of us to know that there is something more beautiful than the dark places of the world we live in. After two losses within their community just prior to the 2020 pandemic, St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, TX discerned that God was asking them to go on the offense against the darkness of mental illness.This is the story of Beacon of Light, a ministry providing much-needed resources, support, and treatment for those struggling with mental health issues while also empowering Christ-centered communities to find hope...2024-05-0732 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation087: Geoff's Second Half of Life "Crisis" and why the new nameThe inaugural episode of season six, and all about "Geoff's Second Half of Life 'Crisis' and why we renamed the podcast" (and note, 'crisis' is in scar quotes).Welcome to Season 6, of what is now called the Attaching to God podcast. We are going to be doing more episodes of just the two of us talking (Cyd and Geoff). But we will also have interviews with people, and hopefully a regular guest appearance (if we can get him to commit once a month).In addition to this, we are adding a regular segment c...2024-04-0334 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation086: Non-Toxic Masculinity (with Zachary Wagner)The problem of toxic masculinity is much bigger than contemporary expressions of Christianity. Mistreatment of women and men dehumanizing others is a feature of human culture fraught with sin. But the church is called to be salt and light, so how can we foster a non-toxic masculinity?Our guest today is Zachary Wagner, a writer, researcher, and minister. He serves as the editorial director for the Center for Pastor Theologians. We’re talking about his book Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality.Dive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Sci...2024-01-3031 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation085: Forming Spiritually Resilient Children (with Dr. Holly Allen)Many children today are growing up amid adversity, whether brought on by family difficulties or larger societal crises. All children need to be able to deal with stress, cope with challenges, and persevere through disappointments. While we cannot protect children from all hardships, we can promote healthy development that fosters resilience.Our guest, Dr. Holly Catterton Allen, recently retired from her position as Professor of Christian Ministries and Family Science at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Allen’s books include Intergenerational Christian Formation and Forming Resilient Children: The Role of Spiritual Formation for Healthy Development.D...2024-01-2336 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation084: Mental Illness or Spiritual Issue? And how they connect (with Dr. Matthew Stanford)Research tells us that when people suffer from a mental health crisis, the first person they turn to for help is not a physician, a psychiatrist, or a social worker, but a pastor, a priest, or a minister. Unfortunately, many church leaders are not trained to recognize mental illness and don’t know when to refer someone to a mental health professional. And how do we know the difference between a mental illness and a spiritual issue?This is what we are talking about with Dr. Matthew Sanford, author of Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Bi...2024-01-1639 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation083: Does God Hate? Or, Making Sense of God's Emotions (with David Lamb)Does God hate? Is God emotional? Emotions feel irrational, impulsive, and problematic for God, especially when we think about hate, jealousy, or sorrow. But the truth is the Bible is full of all sorts of stories that express God expressing emotions. This episode focuses particularly on God and the emotion of hate.Our guest is Dr. David Lamb. He is the MacRae Professor of Old Testament and in 2017 the Dean of the Faculty at Missio Seminary. He is the author of "God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist." And more...2023-12-1237 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation082: On Getting Out of Bed; Or, on Living with Mental Anguish (with Alan Noble)For many people, sorrow, despair, anxiety, and mental illness are everyday experiences. And while we have tremendous advancements in therapy and psychiatry, the burden of living often comes down to some mundane choices, like "Should I still bother to get out of bed?"Dr. Alan Noble joins us to talk about life with mental anguish and his book, On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living. We talk about faith and hope in the goodness of life amid the struggles and pain.Dive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the S...2023-12-0733 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation081: From Therapy, to Trauma, to Attaching to Immanuel (God With Us) with Stephanie RossingHow do we help people get their brains back online? Can the Spirit lead us through a process of healing without triggering re-traumatization? And how can we attach more deeply with God?Guest Stephanie Rossing (Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist) talks about her own journey as a therapist, discovering and receiving training in trauma treatments (EMDR and Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and how she learned to let the Spirit lead treatment and how Immanuel Prayer helps us attach to God more deeply. Also, this Advent, check out our book all about Discovering the God Who Wants t...2023-11-2840 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual FormationIs Joy Even More Central Than Love? (Thanksgiving Double Feature)(This and the previous episode are part of a special Thanksgiving Double Feature Rewind of past episodes that are good to revisit in the ups and downs of a holiday)What is so important about joy? The great commandment is to love God and others, but is joy even more central than that? Where does joy fit in the landscape of political outrage and cynicism, in the seriousness of life today?We're talking about it. Looking at why joy and love are so connected.Dive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of...2023-11-2226 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual FormationThe Psalms as a Guide to Joy, Sadness, and Anger (Thanksgiving Double Feature)(This and the next episode are part of a special Thanksgiving Double Feature Rewind of past episodes that are good to revisit in the ups and downs of a holiday)What if the Psalms aren't just old religious poetry, but guideposts for our everyday struggles and wounds? What if the Psalms are a pathway into the presence of God through the all too human emotions of joy, sadness, and even anger?Join Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw for a conversation with David Taylor, associate professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, as we explore...2023-11-2226 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation080: Finding Freedom in Constraint—Reimagining Spiritual Disciplines with Jared Patrick BoydWe often think that freedom comes through casting off what controls us, and that we need to find our true selves apart from community. But what if it is the constraints of the spiritual life that set us free? What if it is focused practices in community that lead to the flourishing of individual lives? Today we are talking about finding freedom in constraints. Our guest today is Jared Patrick Boyd. He is a Vineyard pastor, spiritual director, and Founding Director of the Order of the Common Life, a missional monastic order. Jared is also the...2023-11-2137 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation079: Being the Church in an Age of Secular Mysticisms (Dr. Andrew Root)When atheists want spirituality, how should the church respond? In a secular age offering a buffet of spiritualities, all focused on the self and personal transformation, how is the Christian view similar or different than these alternative pathways? When everyone is spiritual, but few are religious, what is distinctive about following Jesus? And can I be a mystic without God?Dr. Andrew Root joins the podcast to talk about the rise in secular mysticism and what it means for the church in the 21st century. Dr. Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth...2023-11-1542 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation078: Formative Spirituality, Agency in the Bible, and Being Human (Dr. Richard Middleton)What is spiritual formation? Is that even a very good term for life with and in Jesus? What are we being formed into anyway? Or, maybe we should ask “when” are we being formed?In this episode, we talked with Dr. Richard Middleton about formative spirituality, agency in the Bible, and being human, and how God is always looking for partners to work with and through. Dr. Middleton is Professor of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis at Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan University (Rochester, NY). His most recent book is Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac...2023-11-0835 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation077: Why Humility and Hope is Essential for Therapists & Pastors (Dr. Chuck DeGroat)What character formation is required for soul care professionals, people like therapists, pastors, or spiritual directors? And what does this mean for everyone who follows Jesus? It is humility and hope, says Dr. Chuck DeGroat. It is doing your work, the work on yourself. Today we talk about how so often (like pastors) therapists in training receive little character formation even while they receive the information needed to diagnose and remedy mental illnesses. Dr. DeGroat talks about his own pastoral and therapeutic training, how counselors (like pastors) are often taught how to help others without le...2023-11-0133 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation076: Bearing God in the Storms of Death and Life (with Marlena Graves)Have you ever been tossed around by the storms of life and wondered where God is in all? Or have you wished Jesus would quiet the storms a little quicker and more often? Today we are talking about bearing God in the storms of life. Marlena Graves is the Assistant Professor of Spiritual Formation at Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, NY. She has written five books, most recently Bearing God: Living A Christ-Formed Life in Uncharted Waters. She wants people to know God delights in them.Dive deeper in our new book, L...2023-10-2431 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation075: Being Still Amid the Distractions and Downtime (with Brian Heasley)Scripture tells us, “Be still and know that I am God”. But for so many of us, this is so hard. Today’s episode explores downtime, devotions, and distractions as we seek to be with God in our private and public lives. Our guest, Brian Heasley, is a long-term pioneer within the 24-7 prayer movement and serves as the International Prayer Director, he has years of experience in local-church and pioneer missions. Brian is passionate about prayer, mission, and justice that is rooted in a rhythm of devotional and prayerful responsiveness. Brian’s latest book is Be Still: A S...2023-10-1738 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation074: Hope Is The First Dose: A Treatment Plan For Recovering From Trauma (with Dr. Lee Warren, MD)Is the abundant life as promised in Scripture possible for trauma survivors? Can those who suffer deep tragedy really find wholeness, or happiness, again? Today we are talking with a medical doctor who has walked with many people through trauma and tragedy even as he was walking through it himself. Dr. Lee Warren (MD) is an award-winning author, brain surgeon, and Iraq War veteran. Dr. Warren hosts a podcast exploring the complex interplay between faith and science. We are talking with him about his recent book, "HOPE IS THE FIRST DOSE: A Treatment Plan for Recovering from...2023-10-1047 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation073: Be Kind To Your Attachment Strategy and Nervous SystemWhen reactions shoot out of us that we regret, then what do we do? Do you blame or berate yourself? Do you shame and shout at yourself? Too often we are unkind to ourselves in situations like this. But instead of this, we need to cultivate compassion (and build understanding) for the attachment strategies that have (literally) shaped our nervous systems, which fire semi-automatically when we are stressed out. In this episode, Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw talk about being kind to your engrained attachment strategy (commonly called attachment styles) and how these strategies shape your ne...2023-10-0524 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation072: How Your Attachment Style Shapes Reality (with Dr. Todd Hall)How can two different people experience the same event differently? Do we see, hear, and even feel the world differently? Are we filtering social and emotional information in different ways? The answer is yes. And this has to do with what Dr. Todd Hall calls attachment filters (or what attachment theory calls "attachment styles"). Dr. Todd Hall is Professor of Psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. Dr. Hall’s writing and research focus on relational approaches to spiritual development, leadership/organizational development, and flourishing.Get the "Attachment Filter Matrix" PDF here: https://go.rela...2023-10-0343 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation071: Resourcing the Church for Mental Health (with Laura Howe)The church is not immune to the growing mental health crisis, certainly not pastors and leaders. And we don’t always know where to get mental health resources for creating resilient individuals and churches. Howe guest today is passionate about bridging that gap.Laura Howe is a clinical mental health social worker, addictions counselor, and projectmanager. She has spent her 15-year career supporting and serving the marginalizedand suffering in her local community. Laura launched Hope Made Strong, an organization dedicated to helping the local church care for their communities without burning out. And la...2023-09-2631 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation070: Exploring a Theology of the Body and Confronting Shame with Beth Felker Jones (Summer Rewind)(During our Summer Break we are airing important past episodes)We're tackling a topic that treads the tightrope between theology and personal acceptance - body theology and body shame. Why have we turned "your body is a temple" into a shaming mechanism? What if our bodies are the place we meet God? The place through which we glorify God?In this episode we wade deep into the waters of Western philosophical tradition, consumer capitalism's impact on body shaming, and the misinterpretation of scripture that's contributed to a culture of body blame.Dr. Beth...2023-08-1734 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation069: Leading with & through Emotion: Limbic Resonance, Leadership, and Spirituality with MaryKate Morse (Summer Rewind)(During our Summer Break we are airing important past episodes)What if the secret to impactful leadership and genuine community connection lies deep within our biological construct? Are emotions and moods contagious, between people and in groups? Why are we unconsciously drawn to certain people and repelled by others? And what does this have to do with leadership?This episode uncovers the power of our limbic system, our emotional center, and how it shapes our interactions, leadership, and relationships. Embodied Faith host, Geoff Holsclaw (Phd), talks with professor MaryKate Morse of Portland Seminary about LIMBIC R...2023-08-1638 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation068: Exploring Low Anthropology and its Impact on the Human Condition, with David Zahl (Summer Rewind)(During our Summer Break we are airing important past episodes) We spend our days feeling like we’re the only one with problems, when everyone else has their act together. We feel like other are achieving so much, but we aren’t living up to our potential. What if the answer wasn’t a higher self-esteem, but a lower anthropology? What if instead of expecting more from others (and ourselves) we actually expected less?Host Geoff Holsclaw (PhD) talks with David Zahl about how a high anthropology—thinking optimistically about human nature—can breed perfe...2023-08-0736 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation067 Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters (with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes)What does it mean to be human? This timeless question proves critical as we seek to understand our purpose, identity, and significance. Amidst the many voices clamoring to shape our understanding of humanity, the Bible reveals important truths related to our human identity and vocation that are critical to the flourishing of all of creation.In this episode, we unpack the profound depths of human existence and our identities in God's image. Dr. Carmen Joy Imes is our guest. She is an associate professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. She is t...2023-07-2533 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation066 From Division to Connection: Escaping Enemy Mode with Jim Wilder (Summer Rewind)How do you escape enemy mode? When your brain and body are just against someone (and maybe you don’t even know why). What if one brain state could explain why we stop listening to, talking with, or caring about, other people? What if this brain state reveals why we lose it on people, fall out of love, and traumatize one another?Clinical Psychologist & Neurotheologian Jim Wilder is on to help us unravel the concept of enemy mode, a state of mind that can lead to division and hostility. Jim guides us to understand the intricate triggers of...2023-07-121h 04

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation064 Raising Resilient Kids: Emotional Regulation and the Role of the Church (with Jessica Nagy)Is it possible to raise kids who are emotionally resilient within the dysfunctional dynamics of abuse, divorce, or shared custody? And how can the church be more supportive for children who have hidden trauma?That's what we are talking about with Jessica Nagy, the founder of Mosaic Motherhood, a community of warrior moms who are navigating co-parenting with a destructive individual.Join us as we weave through the complex labyrinth of childhood resilience. Break away from the commonly held notion of inherent resilience in kids. Instead, let's spotlight those hidden or adaptive strategies children develop...2023-06-3048 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation065 What is Spiritual Formation? (2 Minute Explainer)Seems like everyone is talking about spiritual formation. But what is it exactly? In this two-minute explainer episode, Dr. Geoff Holsclaw dives into the realm of spiritual formation, and how it is a "process of being conformed to the image of Christ, within the community and trajectory of Christ, for the sake of others.And come study with Cyd and Geoff in this new, innovative Doctor of Ministry (DMIN) in Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience.Dive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment...2023-06-3002 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation063 What is Relational Neuroscience? The Four E's of Our Identity (2 Minute Explainer)Ever wondered how your mind, brain-body, and relationships shape your identity? How do experiences become a part of who you are? This two-minute explainer episode delves into the realm of relational neuroscience, a field that embraces our fundamentally social nature and how it influences our neural and relational connections.In it Geoff summarizes relational neuroscience into four digestible E's: embodied, embedded, encoded, and extended.And come study with Cyd and Geoff in this new, innovative Doctor of Ministry (DMIN) in Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience.Dive deeper in our new book, 2023-06-2702 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation062 How the Fruit of the Spirit are a Foundation of Resiliency (with Michael Sullivant)What if the Fruits of the Spirit can build a "nest of resiliency" to weather life's trials? What if these fruit were less spiritual and more relational?Join us as we speak with Michael Sullivan, director of relational networks at Life Model Works, who shares his insights on how focusing on LOVE, JOY, and PEACE can transform us into Christ.Together, we discuss the power of God's "Hesed" - God's love, mercy, and kindness - as an anchor in our lives, and the importance of creating a secure base in our relationships with God and others t...2023-06-2735 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation061 The Art of Mentalizing: Enhancing Interpersonal Relationships through Emotional Awareness (with Dr. Lina Ponder)We've all heard about mindfulness. But what about "mentalization"? We are talking about how this little-known concept helps us understand ourselves (creating more self-compassion), understand others (leading to more empathy), and connect to God. Our guest, Dr. Lina Ponder is a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and spiritual director—so she is perfect for this podcast. She has trained with international experts on the role of early life bonding on the quality of relationships and well-being throughout life. She loves to teach and facilitate the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius as she marvels at the profound convergence of developmental psychology and...2023-06-1935 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation060 Why Discipleship is an Adventure in Transformation (with Jessie Cruickshank)Jesus told his followers, “Go and make disciples of every nation,” but a lot of us stop before we start—because we feel like we don’t have what it takes. But Jesus didn’t ask spiritual superstars to make disciples. He invited ordinary people into the adventure of following him.Our guest, Jessie Cruickshank, holds an M.Ed. from Harvard in mind, brain, and education. She is an ordained minister and a nationally recognized expert in disciple-making and the neuroscience of transformation. And she has recently written Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transforma...2023-06-1236 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation059 The Psalms as a Guide to Joy, Sadness, and Anger (with Dr. David Taylor)What if the Psalms aren't just old religious poetry, but guideposts for our everyday struggles and wounds? What if the Psalms are a pathway into the presence of God through the all too human emotions of joy, sadness, and even anger?Join Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw for a conversation with David Taylor, associate professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, as we explore the relevance of the Psalms and his book, Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life.Together, we unpack the Psalms of Praise and the counterintuitive nature of...2023-06-0236 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation058 Spiritual, Neural, and Relational Integration: On the union of brain, body, bible, and moreWhat if the key to a deep and fulfilling faith journey lies in the integration of the brain, body, and Bible? Join Geoff and Cyd as they discuss the importance of integration, taking inspiration from the Trinity, the Church as the Body of Christ, our union with God, and the great commandment to love God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. As they talk about interpersonal neurobiology, internal family systems, and coaching, this conversation will hopefully leave you with a new understanding of the interconnectedness of faith, neuroscience, and the human experience.ANNOUNCEMENTS:2023-05-2521 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation057 Exploring the 3 Core Attachment Questions Shaping Our LivesWhether we are aware of it or not, we are constantly living from the answers of three core attachment questions. Join us for a conversation on the three default attachment questions deeply embedded in our nervous systems and implicit memories: 1) are other people available to me; 2) will this distress be alleviated; and 3) can I use my agency for good? ANNOUNCEMENTS: — HELP SUPPORT this podcast financially by joining our Substack for only $8 a month (every little bit helps).— ANCHORED Learning Cohort: Launching in mid-May. Join now and start working through the ma...2023-05-2420 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation056 The Importance of Your Physical Body in Worship (with Dr. David Taylor)What would you say to someone who just feels that in-person worship is for them? If we worship in spirit and truth, do our bodies even matter? Are our bodies just neutral spectators, reluctant participants in worship?Dr. David Taylor joins us to talk about just how important our bodies are for worship, that we "get to" and "need to" worship God with our bodies. Check out his new book, A Body of Praise: Understanding the Role of Our Physical Bodies in Worship. And find out more about David here. ANNO...2023-05-1941 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation055 Why You Can't Get Unstuck Alone (Short Reflection Episode)Will power + Knowledge ≠ Spiritual Change. What is the role of community, of joy, of honoring our parts, and of self-compassion as we seek to unstick our minds and break unhealthy spiritual patterns?Geoff and Cyd offer a brief reflection on themes from our previous episode.ANNOUNCEMENTS: — HELP SUPPORT this podcast financially by joining our Substack for only $8 a month (every little bit helps).— ANCHORED Learning Cohort: Launching in mid-May. Join now and start working through the material and then join the weekly cohort LIVE meetings.— ATTACHING...2023-05-1716 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation054 How to Unstick Your Mind (with Mimika Cooney)How can you unstick your mind? How can faith be a key to mental resistance?We talk it with Mimika Cooney, a faith-based author, speaker, and coach. She empowers Christians to rewire their brain by combining neuroscience, positive psychology, and a faith-based approach. Author of the recently released Unstick Your Mind: Shift your Mindset, Develop Grit & Break Barriers.You can find Mimika at www.mimikacooney.com.And follow her on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mimikacooneyDive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and S...2023-05-0931 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation053 Is Joy Even More Central Than Love?What is so important about joy? The great commandment is to love God and others, but is joy even more central than that? Where does joy fit in the landscape of political outrage and cynicism, in the seriousness of life today?We're talking about it. Looking at why joy and love are so connected. (And this is really the beginning of season 4...Ignore that Geoff said it was the beginning of season 3). ANNOUNCEMENTS: — HELP SUPPORT this podcast financially by joining our Substack for only $8 a month (every little bit hel...2023-05-0326 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation052 Is God Ashamed of Me? (Brad Vaughn, fka Jackson Wu)Did Brené Brown miss something about shame? Is it always bad, or something good? Does God save us from shame? Or might God save us through shame?If this sounds crazy, maybe it is because we thinking about shame in a Western cultural framework. Dr. Jackson Wu talks about how honor and shame work in the Bible, and how that might help us read the scriptures and understand salvation.Check out his new books, Seeking God's Face: Practical Reflections on Honor and Shame in Scripture, and The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement. 2023-03-2734 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation051 Healing Trauma in the Church (with Janyne McConnaughey, PhD)How, in our churches, can we walk with those struggling with the effects of trauma? How can we create spaces for deep connection with God and authentic healing?How can we become more than trauma-informed, becoming God’s people who are truly trauma-responsive as those who follow the crucified and risen Jesus?Cyd and Geoff sit down with Janyne McConnaughey (PhD) to talk about a practical and compassionate roadmap for how churches can journey with those struggling with trauma.Janyne's New Book: Trauma in the Pews: The Impact on Faith and Spiritual Practices (af...2023-03-2439 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation050 Can Deconstruction Cure a Disembodied Faith? (with Dr. Sean Davidson)Can disembodied ways of thinking and living lead to a more embodied faith? No. And that’s why we need to look at the promise and perils of faith deconstruction.Everyone's journey of deconstruction is different. But only some paths lead to a more embodied faith, while others perpetuate the very problems we are trying to deconstruct. We talk about how deconstructing faith can be good, and how it can turn bad, with Rev. Dr. Sean Davidson, rector of three parishes in New Brunswick (yeah, more Canadians). And he is a missional mentor with the Ins...2023-03-2038 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation049 On Distorting Sex, Marriage, the Gospel (with Dr. Beth Felker Jones)Like Jesus, we need to overturn the tables of those peddling gender hierarchies within the temple of our bodies. Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, we need to overturn this harmful equation of sex and salvation with a gender hierarchy. In this episode, with Dr. Beth Felker Jones, we talk about the recent outrage over the article "Sex Won’t Save You (But It Points to the One Who Will)", its distorting and damaging theology, and point toward a better understanding of the goodness of sex, marriage, and the gospel. Se...2023-03-1029 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation048 From Shame to Grace: Your Body, the Temple (with Dr. Beth Felker Jones)Why have we turned "your body is a temple" into a shaming mechanism? What if our bodies are the place we meet God? The place through which we glorify God? Dr. Beth Felker Jones joins Cyd and Geoff to talk about a theology of the body, and how we can lead our culture and churches into deeper freedom.Follow Dr. Jones at Church Blogmatics. Dive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection, and l...2023-03-0734 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation047 Laying Down Enemy Mode to Follow Jesus (with Jon Hand)Shouldn't Jesus change how we see people? So why is it that Christians seem to have as many enemies as others?We talked with Jon Hand about why "enemy mode" is so prevalent in the church, and how being Jesus-centered gives us a new identity and a new perspective on others. This episode is a continuation of our interview with Jim Wilder on "How To Escape Enemy Mode." ATTACHING TO GOD Learning Cohort Waitlist: explore the gifts and shortcomings of distracted and dismissive attachment, and learn how to begin building a secure attachment with God...2023-02-2743 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation046 When church trauma (literally) breaks your heart (with Rose Madrid Swetman)Chronic stress and trauma are not just emotional. They change our bodies. It affects our physical nature, causing illness. And the reverse is true. When physical remedies don’t seem to be available, our relational and spiritual lives just might be the healing we need.Rose Madrid Swetman, pastor, coach, and spiritual director, talks about her experience with a kind of heart failure and the surprising healing that she found for her body, mind, and spirit. Stay connected to The Center for Transformational Engagement.See the Self-Facilitated Retreat Guide to foster Practices of Resilience.Check out "Way...2023-02-2339 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation045 How To Escape Enemy Mode (Jim Wilder)How do you escape enemy mode? When your brain and body are just against someone (and maybe you don’t even know why). What if one brain state could explain why we stop listening to, talking with, or caring about, other people? What if this brain state reveals why we lose it on people, fall out of love, and traumatize one another?Clinical Psychologist & Neurotheologian Jim Wilder is on to talk about all this, and help us identify and overcome enemy mode.Find out about Escaping Enemy Mode and Jim's work here.Other epi...2023-02-061h 04

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation044 The Connected Life: The Art & Science of Relational Spirituality (with Dr. Todd Hall)Loneliness and disconnection have been on the rise for a long time in our society. We long for a deep meaning to make sense of our lives, but we don't know how to find it. How can we find a Connected Life?Embodied Faith host Geoff Holsclaw (PhD) talks with professor of psychology Todd Hall (PhD) about finding "The Connected Life" through growing our relational knowledge and strong attachment bonds.See Dr. Hall's new book — The Connected Life: The Art and Science of Relational Spirituality.Related Episode: Why Psychology Can Help Our Spiritual Tr...2023-01-3137 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation043 Original Trauma, IFS, and Christian Mysticism (with Jonathan Puddle)Original Sin? How about "original trauma". What would change if we shifted from one to the other? How might that shift our view of ourselves, of sin, and of salvation? And what does Christian mysticism have to do with it?Jonathan Puddle is a contemplative, Jesus-following mystic who helps people find God at work in their inner lives. He is the author of the award-winning, You Are Enough: Learning to Love Yourself the Way God Loves You, and Mornings with God: Daily Bible Devotional for Men. Find his podcast and more at jonathanpuddle.com.Dive d...2023-01-2340 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation042 Practicing Self-Compassion (6 minute meditation)Self-compassion can be hard? Integrative coach spiritual director Cyd Holsclaw guides you through a short practice (6 minutes) to help you give yourself more compassion and receive the compassion of God. Related Episode: What is Self-Compassion? Why is it important for faith journey?Dive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection, and learn about our trainings and other resources at embodiedfaith.life.Stay Connected: Check out our...2023-01-2309 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation041 What is Self-Compassion? Why is it important for faith journey?What is Self-Compassion? How is it different than self-esteem? And why is it important for our spiritual lives? Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw (he's a theologian and pastor, she's an integrative coach and spiritual director) talk about self-compassion and why it matters.And see why the self-esteem movement is dead and how self-compassion and humility are replacing itSee Dr. Kristin Neff's quick definition of self-compassion (link).Related Episode: How a Low Anthropology Might Actually Save YouDive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the...2023-01-2021 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation040 How a Low Anthropology Might Actually Save You (with David Zahl)We spend our days feeling like we’re the only one with problems, when everyone else has their act together. We feel like other are achieving so much, but we aren’t living up to our potential. What if the answer wasn’t a higher self-esteem, but a lower anthropology? What if instead of expecting more from others (and ourselves) we actually expected less?Host Geoff Holsclaw (PhD) talks with David Zahl about how a high anthropology—thinking optimistically about human nature—can breed perfectionism, anxiety, burnout, loneliness, and resentment. To counteract this Zahl invites us to consid...2022-10-2636 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation039 Leadership and the Limbic System (with MaryKate Morse)Are emotions and moods contagious, between people and in groups? Why are we unconsciously drawn to certain people and repelled by others? And what does this have to do with leadership?Embodied Faith host, Geoff Holsclaw (Phd), talks with professor MaryKate Morse of Portland Seminary about LIMBIC RESONANCE, leadership, and the shifts between connection and protection.MaryKate has authored Lifelong Leadership: Woven Together through Mentoring Communities, Making Room for Leadership: Power, Space, and Influence and A Guidebook to Prayer .Dive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Sp...2022-10-1838 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation038 Is God Big Enough for ALL of our Parts? IFS & Spiritual DirectionI want to pursue God. But part of would rather not. Another part is a little afraid of God. And anther is worried that God is just done with me. Is God big enough for all our parts? Embodied Faith host Dr. Geoff Holsclaw sits down with spiritual director and trained IFS (Internal Family Systems) practitioner Brian Hohmeier. Brian serves as director of curriculum development for the Order of the Common Life, which is reimagining religious vocations for 21st century at orderofthecommonlife.org.RESOURCES: IFS Episodes: • Why...2022-10-1142 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation037 How to Find The Best of You, and Discover Yourself In God (with Dr. Alison Cook)Is there something between being SELFISH and SELFLESS? Between CODEPENDENCY and total INDEPENDENCY? How do I stop painful patterns in my life? How can we mend the past and life in the present? And how can I make joyful connect with others, God, and myself. Embodied Faith host, Geoff Holsclaw, talks with Dr. Alison Cook about discovering your true self in God. Check out her new book, The Best of You: Break Free from Painful Patterns, Mend Your Past, and Discover Your True Self in God, and find her here.If you would like...2022-10-0434 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation036 Why Focus on “Embodied” Spiritual Practices? (with Josh Wilson)Maybe you’ve heard of spiritual disciplines, or spiritual practices. But why should we focus on them being embodied? What difference do our bodied make in the spiritual life?Micro-church pastor Josh Wilson join us to talk abut why his church focuses on embodied spiritual practices. Get the FREE ebook, The Brain God Gave Us, when you join the Embodied Faith community (connecting you to new episodes, posts, and other resources).Please subscribe and review on iTunes, Sp...2022-08-0127 min

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation035 Engaging Trauma as the Church's New Mission Field (with Fred Liggin)Is navigating the realities of trauma a (if not THE) defining context of mission and witness for the church in North America? And if so, what does that mean for pastors, leaders, and church members? Pastor, community organizer, and contextual theologian Fred Liggin talks about creating spaces of "security, support, voice and choice" as necessary aspects of witnessing to God's kingdom come as we seek to be trauma-informed and trauma-based churches. Also see the earlier episode with Fred on "What is a Trauma-Informed Church?"Get the FREE ebook, The Brain G...2022-06-2846 min