Shows
Holding It Lightly30. Why Generosity Makes You RichIn this episode of Holding It Lightly, hosts Lauren Douglass and Brad Stewart dive into the messy, meaningful layers of generosity, not just as a virtue, but as a lens for living. From the parallels between improv and real human connection, to the tension between profit and purpose, they explore how generosity shows up (or doesn’t) in culture, politics, business, and daily life.
Along the way, they dive into Enneagram insights, Richard Rohr, spiral dynamics, and the sobering realities of inequality in America. Can generosity truly make us richer? And what does it mean to live ge...2025-06-0459 minHolding It Lightly29. What Are The Soapbox Christians Yelling About?In this episode, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into one of the most common phrases in Christianity “Jesus died for your sins” and ask: wait, what does that really mean? Whether you grew up in church, left it long ago, aren't sure what you believe (if anything), or are just curious about the stories we inherit and the ones we choose to keep, this is an open-hearted, often funny conversation about reframing old beliefs and finding meaning that actually fits.
2025-05-1250 minHolding It Lightly28. Is Ambition Gross?What if ambition doesn't mean climbing the ladder, but carving your own path entirely?
In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart unpack what it means to be ambitious, but through a different lens: less about chasing status, power, or money, and more about living with intention, curiosity, and heart.
If you’ve ever wondered what ambition could look like on your own terms or you just want to laugh along, this one’s for you.
2025-04-2259 minHolding It Lightly27. The Agony of ChangeIn this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart get real about what happens when life knocks you down, and you're forced to make changes you didn't ask for. From job losses to heartbreak, they dive deep into how it feels when things don’t go according to plan, and how to move through it when you’re left picking up the pieces.
They talk about the tough parts of transformation, especially when it feels like the universe is throwing a curveball just when you thought you had it all figured out. But rather than...2025-04-081h 05Holding It Lightly26. Money TalksMoney—it’s something we all deal with, but how do we keep it from taking over? In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart explore our ever-changing relationship with money: how it intersects with social media, how it evolves through life, and why money itself isn’t good or bad—it’s all about how we approach it. Tune in for an honest, refreshing, and surprisingly funny conversation about a topic that’s on everyone’s mind, for better or worse.
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The Huberman Lab Podcast: Morgan Housel: Understand & Ap...2025-01-231h 15Holding It Lightly25. Spiritual Materialism and How to Not Stay SurfaceThis week on Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into the fascinating and often misunderstood topic of spiritual materialism. What is it? How can we recognize when we’re slipping into the trap of surface-level spirituality—using mindfulness or personal growth as a way to boost our ego rather than truly transform?
In this conversation, they unpack the subtle ways spiritual practices can become a “game” of self-righteousness and explore how to shift toward genuine growth. Tune in for insights on how to cultivate a spirituality that makes you more loving, patient, and generous—not more j...2024-12-1648 minHolding It Lightly24. Trump Won Again. Now What?In this episode, Lauren and Brad dive into a timely and thought-provoking conversation about the aftermath of Trump's victory in the election. How do we maintain our peace in the midst of the unease we will all experience in the next four years? We explore the tensions between liberals and conservatives, asking the question: Can we love our "enemies" and find the humanity in those who think differently from us? Let's discuss the importance of approaching those with different views with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to invite them into a new awareness, at a pace that can allow f...2024-11-271h 04Holding It Lightly23. WTF is Gratitude?This week, Lauren n Brad dive into the question, "WTF is gratitude?" We see it on T-shirts, journals, and in every "live your best life" mantra, but what does it really mean? Is gratitude just another wellness trend, or is there something deeper behind the hype? In this episode, we unpack our mixed feelings about how gratitude is marketed today, explore the genuine purpose behind it, and ask: How can we actually live a life full of gratitude—and why does it matter? Tune in for an honest look at what gratitude can mean in real life. Join your fa...2024-10-291h 04Holding It Lightly22. The Sacred Dance vs. The Survival DanceThis week’s episode of Holding It Lightly dives into the concept of the sacred dance. Bear with us, as Lauren shares her experiences at Burning Man—hopefully adding value rather than inducing any eye rolls. The sacred dance is all about letting go and reconnecting with your life force, while the survival dance represents our daily routines and how we navigate life. Both are essential, but it’s in those moments of the sacred dance where we truly find and savor the love in life. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart once again as we explore how to embrac...2024-10-021h 10Holding It Lightly21. Midlife Doesn't Have to Be a CrisisThis week we dive deep into why the midlife crises is so often referenced but so poorly understood. We instead invite you to rethink this period as a profound opportunity to transform—a symbolic death of the old self to make way for the vibrant new life waiting to bloom.
This episode is particularly special to us, as many of our friends and listeners are navigating this challenging yet transformative phase of life. Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart share perspectives to help you see through the fog and discover the beauty that arises from surrendering to the pro...2024-09-121h 08Holding It Lightly20. Growing Younger as You Grow OlderI once saw a meme that said "One day, you went out to play with your friends for the last time ever, and you had no idea." Yeah, we aren't sure it needs to be that way either. In this episode, we look into Getting Younger As We Get Older, how a beginner's mindset can help put you in the right mindspace and heartspace for connection, calm, and wonder. We can move past that pesky literalism that holds us back from greater understanding and all the to-do lists that run our lives, and instead find joy in playfulness and l...2024-08-311h 17Holding It Lightly19. Finding God & the 12 Steps with Patrick McCartneyIn this week's episode, Lauren and Brad are joined by the incredibly talented Patrick McCartney—an actor, improviser, and seasoned Second City performer. Patrick opens up about his journey as a recovering alcoholic, sharing profound insights on spirituality, God, and the transformative power of the 12-step program. We wanted to talk to Patrick about how we can reclaim God and spirit from the Christian fascists, exploring how spirituality can be a source of personal empowerment rather than a tool of oppression. We delve into how these elements have shaped his recovery and personal growth, offering listeners a heartfelt exploration of...2024-08-141h 23Holding It Lightly18. How to Tap Into Your Flow & Use Righteous EnergyIt's opposites week on Holding It Lightly! Last week, Lauren and Brad dove into the art of rest, relaxation, and embracing laziness. This week, they're flipping the script and exploring how to tap into focused energy and find your flow. Join them as they discuss how to channel your energy to plant the seeds for the life you want to grow while also holding it all lightly.
Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart will talk about the balance between being active and restful, the importance of both pushing forward and taking a step back, and how to invest...2024-08-011h 06Holding It Lightly17. The Power of Relaxation, Sitting, and Embracing LazinessThis week on Holding It Lightly, Lauren and Brad explore the vital case for embracing laziness, relaxation, and the simple act of sitting. Life demands a balance between planning, setting goals, and taking ownership of our experiences. Yet, the most profound moments often arise when we sit peacefully, free from the need to grasp for more.
In our culture of constant ascension, where the pursuit of more power, money, and value dominates, we lose sight of the essential art of relaxation. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart as they discuss why our society struggles with teaching us...2024-07-171h 02Holding It Lightly16. How to Experience Life, Not Deliver OutcomesJoin Lauren and Brad as they make the case for laziness - sort of....this week explores the art of embracing life's flow and essence while moving beyond a fixation on outcomes. They delve into the concept of creating art for the sheer joy of being and self-expression, emphasizing the value of this pure approach over a results-driven mindset. In this episode, we also discuss the merits of embracing laziness and question the pervasive nature of hustle culture, highlighting its disregard for the essence of humanity. We delve into thought-provoking questions surrounding purpose: What does purpose entail? How can...2024-06-261h 10Holding It Lightly15. The Beauty is in the Journey: Deconstruction to ReconstructionJoin Brad and Lauren on this week's episode of "Holding It Lightly" as they explore the profound themes of deconstruction and reconstruction in personal belief systems. They delve into the challenging process of stepping away from the familiar structures of religion, community, and faith, unraveling and examining each facet along the way. Both hosts candidly share their journeys of deconstructing traditional notions of faith and spirituality, reflecting on the complexities and revelations that arise from questioning deeply held beliefs. Listen in as Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart discuss the transformative process of reconstruction and what it entails to rebuild...2024-06-131h 07Holding It Lightly14. All About LOVELove is on the brain this week! Tune in to this week's episode of where Lauren and Brad explore the profound topic of love. Together they delve into questions like "What is love?" and "How do we obtain it?" guided by the wisdom found in Bell Hooks' book "All About Love." Listen to them examine why society has often presented us with a skewed definition of love and how we can cultivate a more mature perspective to construct a life abundant with love. Join your favorite hosts, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart, as they discuss love.
2024-05-291h 11Holding It Lightly13. We are All Just Animal (Instincts)Join Lauren and Brad for this week's episode of Holding It Lightly as we explore the fascinating realm of Enneagram instincts. They say that while a thought moves at the speed of x, an emotion moves at 10x, and your instinct races at 100x. In this episode, we delve into the three primal instincts that drive us from the depths of our gut: Self-preservation, Sexual, and Social. Tune in to join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to discover what might be fueling your actions, and how you can transcend these instincts to lead a more conscious and fulfilling life.2024-05-161h 16Holding It Lightly12. How to Have Faith & to Learn to Trust YourselfTune in to this week's episode of Holding It Lightly, where Brad and Lauren explore the powerful themes of faith and self-trust. Join us as we delve into how to cultivate genuine faith in ourselves and in the universe—not the cliché wooden home decor sign kind of faith, but a deep and authentic trust in the natural flow of life. Tune in with Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to discover how faith serves as the antidote to feelings of inadequacy and learn practical ways we are both trying to have more faith in our own lives
2024-05-0154 minHolding It Lightly11. Somatic Healing & The Body with Lyssa MandelWelcome to this week's episode of Holding It Lightly! Join hosts Lauren and Brad as they dive deep into the world of healing and self-discovery with special guest Lyssa Mandel. Lyssa, an incredible somatic healer and astrology guru, joins the conversation to shed light on the intricacies of our bodies and share invaluable insights on the path to healing.
In this enlightening episode, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart explore Lyssa's personal growth journey, delve into the fascinating realm of the enneagram (because, obviously), and discuss strategies for healing ourselves and the world around us.
Whether...2024-04-251h 25Holding It Lightly10. Metamorphosis: Exploring Life, Death, and Rebirth with Florence!Welcome to Holding It Lightly! This week, we're thrilled to introduce our very first guest, Florence Friebe. Florence wears many hats as an improviser, healer, and spiritual seeker, too. Join us as Florence shares her journey of confronting mortality head-on and experiencing a powerful rebirth through plant medicine.
In this episode, Lauren Douglass, Brad Stuart, and Florence Friebe delve into themes of love, spirituality, and Florence's upbringing in an evangelical environment. She opens up about her process of deconstructing and reconstructing her spiritual beliefs to align with her present self.
Expect a delightful blend of...2024-04-191h 11Holding It Lightly9. What The Hell?Join hosts Lauren and Brad as they fearlessly dive into one of the most provocative concepts: hell. In this episode of Holding It Lightly, they embark on a thought-provoking journey to unravel the layers of meaning behind this age-old notion. Delving into the origins of the concept, they examine its historical roots and how it has evolved over time.
From its early religious significance to its present-day connotations, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart explore why the idea of hell remains a trigger word for so many. They investigate how our current understanding of hell has been shaped...2024-04-101h 14Holding It Lightly8. Enoughness Part 2Even more enough!
Tune in to this week's episode of "Holding It Lightly" as hosts Lauren and Brad dive into insightful discussions sparked by the second episode of "Enoughness." Delve into the complexities of dating and the pursuit of feeling "enough" even when seeking a partner with differing desires. Explore the theme of travel and the profound realization that wherever you go, there you are. Uncover the roots of feeling inadequate, whether from societal pressures or childhood experiences, and discover how trust serves as a potent antidote to these sentiments. The conversation extends to financial "enoughness," exploring...2024-04-021h 01Holding It Lightly7. Enoughness: How to Feel Like You Are EnoughJoin us as we explore why society constantly bombards us with messages that we're not enough, and how these beliefs shape our lives. In this week's episode, Brad and Lauren take a deep dive into the pervasive feelings of inadequacy that plague so many of us.
We turn the spotlight on the root causes of our collective struggle with self-worth. From societal standards to the influence of social media, we dissect the factors contributing to our feelings of insufficiency.
Through candid anecdotes and thoughtful analysis, we uncover strategies for cultivating self-acceptance and finding peace in...2024-03-271h 25Holding It Lightly6. It's the Enneagram! Part 2
In this Enneagram part two episode, we talk through enneagram numbers 6, 7, and 8. Join us as we navigate the unique traits and tendencies of the Enneagram types, discussing how individuals belonging to these numbers can embark on a journey towards healthier living. Through embracing acceptance and self-awareness, we explore how individuals can come to realize their intrinsic worth and sufficiency.
Whether you're familiar with the Enneagram or just beginning to explore its intricacies, this episode offers valuable insights into understanding yourself and others better. Tune in as we uncover the paths to personal growth and fulfillment for types 6, 7...2024-03-191h 12Holding It Lightly5. It's the Enneagram! (Part 1)The Enneagram can be one of the most difficult and transformative things you’ll ever learn about yourself……..so let’s at least have a fun time with it, right?! In this episode, Lauren guides us through her introductory course, tapping into the wisdom of Beatrice Chestnut, Richard Rohr, and Andreas Ebert among others, while keeping it lighthearted and fun. Come explore all the things that are preventing you from being your best self and share real “aha!” moments with us as we figure out what your most difficult and rewarding assignment in this life will be. We are workin’ 9-5...2024-03-131h 29Holding It Lightly4. Holy Goallessness and The Path of RedemptionIn Episode 4, Lauren and Brad dive into the liberating concept of Holy Goallessness. In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between goal attainment and spirituality, advocating for nonattachment, finding flow, and the joy of living life without fixating on outcomes.
We delve into the challenging conversation of setting boundaries with family, acknowledging that this journey is and must be a solo pilgrimage. We reflect on how Christianity has been weaponized to exclude rather than embrace, and reexamine the Prodigal Son story as Jesus intended—a punk rock tale of redemption. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart in...2024-03-071h 12Holding It Lightly3. Navigating Spiral Dynamics Part 2Lauren & Brad explore continue our journey and wrap up our overview of Spiral Dynamics and why we are being called to change our minds. If you heard part 1 and want to know more about advanced levels of Spiral Dynamics (Yellow to Turquoise), tune in!
Is it long and rambling? Always! But will you learn something new about the pathway to transformation? Yes!
Tune in with Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to shine a light on the path to healing and transformation. Because no matter how dark the journey may seem, there's always a way to...2024-02-271h 52Holding It Lightly2. Why Manifestation Culture Isn't It & How to Love MoreWelcome back to Holding It Lightly with your hosts, Lauren and Brad! Today, we're excited to delve deeper into the captivating world of Spiral Dynamics in part 2 of our exploration.
We are also tackling why we think manifestation culture can put you on the wrong path, and that deeper love relationships can exist when you let go of the things you want and sit with the beauty of what you have and what you can give.
Join your hosts, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart, as we journey through the intricate layers of human development and c...2024-02-191h 14Holding It LightlyHolding It Lightly TrailerWhy should you listen to Holding It Lightly? This trailer explains who we are and what we will talk about that will hopefully help us all keep walking each other home. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart on an exciting new podcast adventure packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of ‘aha!’ moments!
2024-02-1300 minHolding It Lightly1. Moving Into the Second Half of LifeJoin hosts Brad Stuart and Lauren Douglass as they embark on a journey to explore the second half of life with curiosity, compassion, and humor. In their debut episode, Brad and Lauren share their motivations for starting the podcast and delve into why they're tackling the sometimes murky waters of midlife. With many of their friends pondering life's deeper questions, they seek to navigate the existential terrain, discussing how to navigate the dark night of the soul and embrace a transformative approach to the latter part of life. Tune in to Holding It Lightly as they shed light on...2024-02-131h 30