Episode 67: How to find God in Solitude, Silence and Wilderness with Bishop Mark Beckman

In this final installment of our series on spirituality and adventure, I sit down with Bishop Mark Beckman, the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, to explore what happens when faith is formed not just in quiet rooms, but in wild places. From hiking solo through old-growth forests to walking hundreds of miles on pilgrimage, Bishop Beckman shares how discomfort, silence, and physical effort can open us to something deeper than words. We talk about the moments that push us to the edge of our capacity—storms in the backcountry, long days of walking, fear at high elevations—and how those experiences can shape trust, humility, and presence. This conversation is a reminder that adventure doesn't only take us outward into the world, but inward toward meaning, mystery, and a deeper awareness of God. Episode Timeline [2:22] – Bishop Mark Beckman's calling to ministry and how the outdoors shaped his faith from an early age [6:45] – Discovering God's presence through solitude, silence, and hiking alone in the woods [10:48] – Forming a men's backpacking group and finding unexpected community on the trail [16:05] – Walking the Camino de Santiago and learning trust one step at a time [22:40] – Pushing through fear and physical limits on a 14,000-foot peak in Colorado [30:12] – Retreat, silence, and wilderness as pathways to deeper spiritual awareness [38:05] – Suffering, endurance, and how hardship can deepen us instead of hardening us Links & Resources Appalachian Trail Denali National Park Camino de Santiago If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you'd rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes and additional content — it's one of the best ways to support the show and stay connected. Until next time, stay safe and stay on adventure.