PODCAST · religion
Curious Living
by Rev. Monica Humpal
Albert Einstein is quoted saying, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."In this podcast we will explore our curious questions as we unpack these curiosities through the lens of Scripture and our Christian faith. Through thoughtful and engaging interviews with neighbors, pastors, and experts, we will walk through some common, and even challenging, questions while valuing individual perspectives along the way. Perhaps these curious conversations will spark the same holy curiosity in you.
Episodes
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Episode 79: Why do good things have to come to an end?
It has been such an honor to take this journey of curiosity with you. Thank you for listening and for providing great curious questions for us to tackle. Remember friends, never lose your holy curiosity! Monica
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Episode 78: Is my story worth sharing?
We all have a story. Even if we believe our story to be unworthy of sharing, it could be the inspiration, empathy, or comfort that someone needs. Our guest on this episode was delightful and has an incredible story herself! Take a listen and think about how you can share your story! Guest Info...
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77: Can our faith heal our trauma?
More and more adults are realizing that they have experienced trauma in their lives. We may not have realized it at the time. But, now, as adults, we are working through issues, emotions, and struggles and coming to terms wtih the fact that we've carried the burden of trauma for years. Or…
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76: How Can Young Adults Find Their Purpose?
As a parent of a young adult, I've been a witness to this void of purpose my kids seem to have. They have floundered through so many things - aimless and frustrated. As a parent I want to help them, but it's hard to help and honor boundaries all at the same time. We, as a community, want to help...
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75: Are churches greedy because they ask for money?
Financial generosity is vital to our mission as followers of Christ to transform the world in His name. Yet, when churches talk about giving, some people hear "greed" instead of "grace." In this episode of Curious Living, we dig beneath the surface of the church's "ask" and explore why generosity...
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74: How can we cure the loneliness epidemic?
Our church participated in a demographic survey last year and we were astonished at how many people shared that they feel incredibly lonely. And what surprised us the most was that the largest demographic experiencing loneliness was young adults. So we were excited to talk with Dr. Jake Thurston…
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73: How can I get my spouse to change for the better?
When we get married or enter into a long-term relationship, we soon realize the stark differences between ourselves and our mate. The flaws that were invisible to us at the beginning are now, perhaps, all we see. This goes both ways because our significant other sees those flaws in us as well....
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72: How can we learn to communicate better across our differences?
In today's world, clear communication feels increasingly challenging. With so many differences and divides among us, it's harder to express ourselves honestly and lovingly while being understood as we intend. This challenge is especially visible on social media, where misunderstandings often…
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71: Where can we find God in Classic Rock?
This episode guest hosts, Rev. Wesley Smith and Kevin Ward, dicuss the curious question; Where can we find God in Classic Rock? Our two guests this week are both avid rock enthusiasts and musicians, playing guitar in their spare time. Let's here them dive into our latest curious topic on how God...
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70: What are the blessings and challenges that come with adopting a child?
Our guest host, Mary Ana Smith, sits down with Rev. Carrie Wright to discuss her journey as an adoptive mom. Adoption seems to many as more of a challenge than a blessing, but Carrie feels the opposite having not only adopted two children, but also having fostered many. If you have considered...
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69: Can helping those in need actually hurt them?
It certainly feels good to help others in need. We donate food, money, and even time to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. And, oftentimes we assume that we have done what's best for them. But was it the best for them? Or, was it something that made us feel good in the moment? This...
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68: Does Questioning Christianity Mean I'm Not A True Christian?
Is it acceptable to question God or Christianity if you call yourself a Christian? Does doubt mean you're not truly a Christian? Should faith be so unwavering that questioning is off-limits? These were questions I wrestled with in my youth, and I believe that misconception still lingers today. In...
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67: Why Does It Seem Like Christianity Is Absent From Hollywood?
We all love TV or movies in some way, shape, or form. Entertainment is a form of enjoyment for most of us. I believe we'd all agree, however, that a movie or TV show today looks vastly different than it did just 20 or 30 years ago. Our guest on this episode produces wonderful and educational...
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66: How can we love those who believe so differently than we do?
This episode is intentionally released just before election day. We know that voting season can sometimes bring out the worst in even the kindest and most loving individuals. In quieter moments, it's easy to love and accept others. However, when those around us express beliefs and feelings that...
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65: How can I stay faithful when I'm angry with my church and the people in it?
This is an uncomfortable topic - especially for clergy and others who serve the church. We understand anger toward the church. We get it. But how do we help those who are angry at the church and angry at those within the church keep their faith strong? It's hard ... especially in today's divisive...
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64: Can An Addict Really Change?
** This episode addresses more adult concepts and may not be suitable for a younger audience. Addiction is more prevalent in our society than we may realize. And, addiction is not limited to certain demographics - it touches them all. When we are in a relationship (any type of relationship) with...
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63: Is It Possible to Balance Parenting With Full-Time Work?
Many parents have pondered this question. And, especially in today's financial climate, full-time working parents is becoming more of the norm. Yet there are increasing demands for our kids - the sports they participate in and the other extracurricular activities. Not to mention trying to help…
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62: Is Discomfort a Path to Transformation?
No one likes to be uncomfortable (if you do, I'd love to interview you for my next episode!). Many of us may even go to great lengths to avoid discomfort. But what if discomfort is how we grow, how we transform? What if we are missing out on great things when we avoid the hard things? Guest Info...
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61: How Can Christian Singles Navigate Healthy Dating in Today's World?
Our world has so many great tools and resources for those who are married. In many ways, our culture is geared toward married couples much more than toward single adults. And, in today's digital age, the dating scene has become one of skepticism, unrealistic expectations, and disappointment . . ....
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60: What Kind of Relationship Does God Want With Us?
How does God interact with us? How would God like us to see and perceive Him? What type of relationship would God want to have with us? How do WE want/need to connect with God? Great questions that many followers of Jesus ask as they work toward deepening their faith. At times, we struggle to...
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59: Where is God When My Life Is Always A Struggle?
Finding or recognizing God's presence in the midst of life's struggles can be challenging. We want and need God's support, strength, and compassion but we end up feeling disconnected from God and, maybe even, disappointed at the lack of presence we feel. If you have found yourself in that place...
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58: Can Clay Speak God's Language?
Sometimes we don't realize how often, and in how many ways, God speaks to us. God speaks, but are we listening? What is God saying to us today? And, in what creative way is God communicating with us today? Guest Info Morgan McCarver was born and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Her work is...
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57: Can Love Really Change the World?
Those of us who want to make a difference in the world sometimes feel as though we don't have the power to do so. Could it be as simple as loving others? Our guest on this episode shares intriguing insight into how love really can change the world. Guest Info Paul Zolman is the author of "Role of...
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56: How will AI shape our future and the future of the church?
Artificial Intelligence has developed at accelerated levels over the past few years. Since the introduction of Chat GBT, it has now become an everyday tool for all of us. We are either excited about the possibilities or frightened of them (or somewhere in between). Our guest on this episode is a...
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55: What is the Christian Message in Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"?
Many of us have either read the book and/or watched the movie at Christmastime. But have we truly listened and watched for how Dickens weaves Christianinty into the story of "A Christmas Carol?" If you, like me, have not paid that close of attention, this episode is for you! Guest Info Reverend...
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54: How Can We Possibly Raise Christian Kids in Today's World?
Parenting is different today than it was just 40 years ago . . . even just 20 years ago. Christian parens are facing unprecedented challenges when trying to raise children in a Christian household. How can we raise our kids to know God with such obstacles today in society and in the world? Our...
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53: How Can God's Grace Bridge the Divide in the World?
We would all agree that today's world is incredibly divided. This division isn't just political, it's societal, it's religious, it's even within families and between friends. As people of faith we wonder where God is in that division. How is God, or IS God, working in it for good - to help bridge...
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52: How Can We Focus Our Attention On What Really Matters?
In today's world, "focus" is hard to come by. Our attention spans are shrinking by the minute and the worldly things that distract us become more and more enticing. We can easily lose the limited amount of focus we have and forget to keep our eyes upon the things that really matter in life. Wes...
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51: Is there hope after tragedy?
In this episode, we will hear from an incredibly brave woman who endured a devastating tragedy. She not only endured, but she grew closer to God and found an incredible hope throughout her experience. She shares all of this with us in this episode so we hope you'll check it out! Guest Info Debbie...
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50: How can we do better at helping younger generations be their absolute best?
If you are listening to this episode and were born before the turn of the 21st century, then you may be looking at today's youth and wondering the same thing. How in the world can we help this younger generation be their absolute best when they are being raised in unprecedented times (COVID,...
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49: Does my story matter?
We all endure challenges in our lives. Then, down the road, we face a situation where someone else is having a challenge as well. Do we share our story? Does it matter? Would it really help? Our stories have power and this is one of the many ways God uses the challenges in our lives to bring…
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48: What do Christians mean by the "Holy Spirit?"
The concept of the Holy Spirit is challenging for Christians to wrap their minds around, let alone those who are not Christians. Oftentimes we simply choose to ignore this part of the triune God because it can be hard to explain and understand. In this episode we will face this curious question...
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47: How can my faith guide my thoughts?
Our thoughts are powerful and they drive us to do all things in our lives. As followers of Christ we often wonder what is guiding these thoughts . . . is it us? is it society? is it media? or is it God? Our guest on this episode helps us sort through those curious questions and helps us land in a...
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46: How can we heal from trauma?
There is so much trauma in the world - much of it is unresolved and carried around with us. It shows up in many ways - most of which are unhealthy. So how do we heal our trauma to move into a healthier life? How does our faith help us heal? We explore these curious questions in this episode with...
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45: Why is it so hard to communicate with my spouse?
Communication is hard - especially when you're married. Not only do we bring different personalities to the table, but we bring all sorts of different ways to think, feel, and do. No wonder it's such a challenge at times to communicate effectively to the one you spend the most time with! Our…
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44: Is there purpose in pain?
We all experience pain and suffering in our lives. And, we tend to respond with, "why is this happening to me?" The truth is that we may never know the "why" behind things, but we can spend quality time exploring the curious question of "is there purpose to be found within this painful…
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43: What do we do when we don't feel jolly during the holidays?
The holidays are not so jolly for many people. Grief, sickness, financial worries, stress, relationship issues, and so many other "life" events can lead us to feel "off" during the holidays. We want to enjoy the festivities and have fun, but we just can't. What do we do about that? In this…
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42: How do we truly love others?
It's one thing to love someone - it's another thing to love them as Jesus loves them. Those who follow Christ feel as though they know what this looks like and practice it daily. But are we TRULY loving them like Jesus? Our guest on this episode has studied love in a very profound way after...
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41: How can we talk to others about our faith?
Sharing our faith with others can be intimidating, uncomfortable, and scary. What if they ridicule us? What if we push them further away from God? What do we say? These fears are especially strong when the person we are talking to doesn't believe in God. How do we effectively share our faith with...
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40: How can we "agape" love ourselves?
We hear it all of the time - how important it is to love yourself. This is rule #1 when building (or rebuilding) self-esteem. But to "agape" love yourself is so much more. It's a deeper love. It's the love Jesus has for us and that's a powerful love. In this episode, we talk about how to truly...
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39: Am I enough?
This is a tough curious question to address. Many of us have had times in our life when we felt worthless - not of value to anyone or anything - and simply not enough. This leads to struggles with our mental health and contributes to dysfunctional and unhealthy relationships. And, some of us have...
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38: How can we care for the most vulnerable?
This episode is close to our heart at Williamson's Chapel because it's about caring for kids who age out of the foster care system. We have several families who are foster parents and we are devoted to helping families who foster and the children in the foster care system. Miriam's ministry is...
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37: How can we embrace transition?
Chang is hard. Transition is hard. And, yet, we all have to endure it in our lifetime. In this episode, we talk with our very own Pastor Jan who is entering into a huge transition as she enters retirement. She shares her wisdom and experience with us as well as some biblical insights that can…
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36: How can we best navigate disruptions in our lives?
Change requires us to make a "shift" - in our thoughts, our attitudes, and our actions. Our guest on this episode explores the concept of a "God shift" and how we can lean into that and respond in such a way that amazing and powerful things can happen in our lives and the lives of those around…
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35: Is There an Upside to Suffering?
It's part of our nature to view suffering as a bad thing. But, what if there are blessings that can come from it? What if suffering is a gateway to something better? In this episode we talk with a guy who can speak from personal experience about suffering and the blessings that can come from it....
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34: How do we really know what God is calling us to do?
Is this "calling" something that I'm driving, or is this something God is genuinely calling me to do? This is a question many of us ask as we try to figure out next steps in any given situation. Are we driving this, or is God? Our guest for this episode helps us sort through that question and…
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33: How Can We Be Salt and Light in a Polarized Society?
It's crazy how divided we are these days. We argue over most things and we struggle to see the gray in any issue. It seems to always boil down to "I'm right/you're wrong!" Our guest on this episode has a lot to say about that and wrote a fabulous book that addresses this very issue. Check out the...
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32: What is a "radically normal" Christian and how can I be one?
Have you ever wondered what a "normal" Christian is supposed to look like? Well, let's take that up a notch and ask what a "radically" normal Christian may look like! I think we'll all be surprised . . . or, at the very least, intrigued by what our guest for this episode, Josh Kelley, has to say...
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31: Can there be joy on the other side of grief?
Grieving a deep loss is a process and, at times, we may feel as though we will never have joy again. But there can be joy on the other side and our guest for this episode helps unpack grief and shares hope for the joy that this to come. We intentionally published this episode as Christmas...
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30: How Can We Trust That God Will Provide?
This episode is packed with fantastic insights and motivation to lean into our faith and trust in a God that ALWAYS provides. Today's world is a bit scary for many of us as we are unsure about our job security, finances, and health. But our God is one that provides for our needs in ways we never...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Albert Einstein is quoted saying, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."In this podcast we will explore our curious questions as we unpack these curiosities through the lens of Scripture and our Christian faith. Through thoughtful and engaging interviews with neighbors, pastors, and experts, we will walk through some common, and even challenging, questions while valuing individual perspectives along the way. Perhaps these curious conversations will spark the same holy curiosity in you.
HOSTED BY
Rev. Monica Humpal
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Curious Living have?
Curious Living currently has 80 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Curious Living about?
Albert Einstein is quoted saying, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend...
How often does Curious Living release new episodes?
Curious Living has 80 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Curious Living?
You can listen to Curious Living on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Curious Living?
Curious Living is created and hosted by Rev. Monica Humpal.
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