Shows
The Way Of Kanan PodcastUnnerving The Empire Part 2This is the second of two episodes in which I share thoughts on empathy and some personal experiences with it. In this episode, I share some thoughts on the lack of empathy shown in responses to those hurt by increased ICE activity in Minnesota. I also share how experiences of vulnerability help me feel more connected with Jesus. I end with examples of how the contemporary idea of sympathy (detached from the experience of others) often leads to toxic charity that only helps the giver feel better about themselves without concern for how it affects the person receiving our...
2026-01-2324 min
The Way Of Kanan PodcastUnnerving The Empire Part 1This is the first of two episodes in which I will share thoughts on empathy and some personal experiences with it. Below are some of the resources cited in the episodeArticles on Force Empathy in Star Wars* Why One Force Power Threatened Everything Palpatine Was Trying To Build Screen Rant* The Force Ability Power Emperor Palpatine Feared the Most May 4 Be With YouEmpathy vs Sympathy* What’s the difference between ‘sympathy’ and ‘empathy’? Meriam Webster* What’s the Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy? Heathline* The Diff...
2026-01-0825 min
The Way Of Kanan PodcastAtypical Christmas Songs Part 2This is the second part of my podcast highlighting some of my favorite “Christmas Songs” that many don’t associate with the holiday. These songs reflect an aspect of the Incarnation that’s more raw and realistic than most traditional Christmas music. You can find my original posts of these songs from 2014 here. The second part of this episode looks at the last two songs:* Baby Boy by for King + Country* Cry of a Tiny Babe by Bruce CockburnI hope you enjoy it. This is a public episode. If you woul...
2025-12-2430 min
The Way Of Kanan PodcastAtypical Christmas Songs Part 1This episode of The Way of Kanan is unique. In 2014, I authored five blog posts highlighting some of my favorite “Christmas Songs” that many don’t associate with the holiday. These songs reflect an aspect of the Incarnation that’s more raw and realistic than most traditional Christmas music. You can find the original posts here. I am splitting these songs into two episodes because, together, they would create a lengthy episode, including my commentary.I hope you enjoy it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscrib...
2025-12-2332 min
The Way Of Kanan PodcastIf I Had A Trillion CreditsIn this episode, I compare Jesus’ perspective on wealth with how some parts of the American Christian Church see it today, especially in the current political climate.In segment 1, I examine the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew's account of Jesus' life. Back then and even now, some people see wealth as a sign of virtue and God’s blessings. Jesus doesn’t view it that way.In segment 2, I examine three stories Jesus told: The Rich Fool, The Rich Man and Lazarus, and The Sheep and The Goats. All three stories show that God fa...
2025-12-0940 min
The Way Of Kanan PodcastFra-gee-lay. It's not from Italy.If you are expecting an episode about A Christmas Story, I hope I don’t disappoint you.The recent fuss over Bad Bunny being chosen as the performer for the Super Bowl halftime show has brought white fragility back into the national spotlight. It seems that whenever Black and Brown people are showcased in sports or entertainment these days, there are always people complaining about the choice. All of these reactions reveal a general fear that white culture is no longer the center of our society. This is sometimes called the Great Replacement in conspiracy theory circles....
2025-10-2738 min
The Way Of Kanan PodcastCharlie Kirk's Death and the Fear of Losing Power This is not the type of topic I intended to cover early in this podcast. Still, the influence that Charlie Kirk had in some conservative religious circles made it necessary to address the response to his tragic murder and what it says about some people in the contemporary American civil religion called Christianity. It is appropriate to mourn Charlie Kirk's death while also responding to some of the ways his philosophy is at odds with the Way of Jesus.In Segment 1, I discuss why a topic like this is relevant to the themes of this podcast. Some of the...
2025-10-0653 min
The Way Of Kanan PodcastStarting The JourneyIn this first episode, I outline what The Way of Kanan is all about. I also share some initial insights on how to recognize a genuine Jesus follower and provide straightforward tips for navigating times of spiritual uncertainty.Leave a comment below. Check out my Substack at https://wayofkanan.substack.com/. You can also email me at llongard@gmail.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com
2025-09-2219 min
In The Room With Communitas North AmericaMeaningful Conversations With Our Neighbors
Getting beyond small talk with our neighbors can be challenging for various reasons. In this episode, we will talk with the Chief Field Officer for Communitas International, Kevin Johnson, about how he has connected with neighbors more meaningfully. We will discuss a practice he calls Holy Smokes that has become a regular rhythm of life for him. It is based on the philosophy that we are all beloved by God and bear the Image of God within us.
If you want a copy of the sample Holy Smokes questions Kevin mentioned in the podcast...
2023-09-2345 minIn The Room With Communitas North AmericaLife Transforming Communion
In Communitas, we see Life Transforming Communion with God as one of the essential functions church. This does not always take the form of the traditional elements that come to mind when we think of "church." In this episode, James and Leon discuss some of the different expressions of creative communion with God that they have seen practiced in various faith communities.
In this show, we shared a couple of resources that can help us think of how to experience Communion with God in new ways. One is Sacred Pathways: Discover Your Soul's Path to God by...
2023-08-1845 min