Design and Religion

In this episode of Design and Religion: Look for the Helpers, Kim Eppehimer shares the deeper logic behind her work with Friendship House, Limen Recovery + Wellness, and the broader “One Big House” vision. She explains that the partnership between these organizations grew from a clear need: people seeking housing stability, recovery, and support are often forced to navigate a fragmented system that pushes them from one place to another. Her central conviction is simple and powerful: people need stability without losing dignity.Kim argues that homelessness, substance use disorder, and mental health struggles are too often treated as personal failures rather than systemic realities shaped by trauma, isolation, poverty, and institutional barriers. She rejects the reflex to blame individuals for their suffering. In its place, she describes a model rooted in grace, continuity, and long-term belonging. Rather than offering quick interventions and then pushing people out, Friendship House and Limen are trying to build a longer arc of care where people can remain connected over time, return after programs end, and continue to be known as part of a community.The conversation moves from systems language into human stories. Kim explains that there is no single “type” of person who becomes unhoused. The common thread is disruption: a family rejection, a job loss, untreated addiction, mental health challenges, rising rent, lack of childcare, or some accumulation of hardship that knocks a person out of stability. She points to shame and isolation as major forces in people’s lives and insists that empathy must come before meaningful action. Compassion, in her telling, is empathy that moves.A significant portion of the episode focuses on barriers that many housed and privileged people never have to think about. Kim gives a vivid account of how difficult it can be to obtain a birth certificate and a state ID, even though those documents are required for work, housing, and many services. What sounds basic on paper becomes a months-long process, especially for people without a permanent address, money, or full knowledge of their own records. That section gives the episode much of its practical force. It reveals how systems that appear neutral often exclude the very people they claim to serve.Kim also speaks directly about advocacy. Her counsel is that people should educate themselves deeply before trying to advocate. She warns against shallow certainty and explains that she herself has had to unlearn and relearn, especially around race, privilege, and structural inequality. She names the disproportionate impact of homelessness on people of color in Delaware and speaks candidly about how policy, bureaucracy, and cultural judgment often reinforce exclusion.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

This episode of Design and Religion continues the “Look for the Helpers” series with Cathy Kanefsky, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Delaware. The conversation opens with the larger theme of help itself: what it means to become a helper, how people are shaped by hardship, and why some leaders are drawn into work they never originally planned to do.Cathy shares her own path into nonprofit leadership through deeply personal experience. She reflects on raising twin sons born extremely premature, later diagnosed with autism, and how that family journey led her into mission-driven work at the March of Dimes, Autism Speaks, Nemours, and eventually the Food Bank of Delaware. She describes this path as something she was led into rather than strategically planned, and that theme gives the episode its emotional center. Her story frames the Food Bank’s work with unusual depth. Hunger is presented as one form of insecurity among many, and Cathy offers a powerful reframing: if you take the word “food” away from “food insecurity,” what remains is the experience of not knowing what tomorrow will bring.From there, the episode broadens into a strong portrait of what the Food Bank of Delaware actually does. Cathy explains that most people imagine a food bank as a cold warehouse or a simple distribution site. She replaces that image with a fuller picture. The Food Bank still provides immediate food access, yet it also operates workforce and training programs that help people build stability for the future. She describes this structure through the organization’s two-part language: Food for Today and Food for Tomorrow. “Food for Today” includes pantry access, backpack programs, partner agencies, and mobile distributions. “Food for Tomorrow” includes culinary job training, logistics training, and kitchen programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.The conversation also highlights the Food Bank’s work with adults with intellectual disabilities, including a culinary training pathway designed with a tailored curriculum and employer partnerships. This section becomes even more meaningful when Cathy shares that her own twin sons work at the Food Bank as part of a group of employees with disabilities doing meaningful work with support in place. That personal connection gives this part of the episode a rare honesty. It also reinforces a broader message: many people hold tremendous potential, and what they often need is belief, structure, and a real opportunity.Another major thread is systems pressure. Cathy explains how federal food support disruptions and changes in donated food patterns have forced the organization to evolve operationally. She describes the loss of expected USDA food shipments, the need to purchase more essential goods directly, and the community response that followed. Rather than centering the organization’s hardship, she centers the families who depend on the Food Bank. This part of the conversation gives the episode real civic weight. Hunger is revealed as a systems issue involving logistics, puSend us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

This episode centers on Kevin L. Smith’s long vocation of service through Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County and the way his housing work and Christian calling have grown together over time. Kevin describes a formative sense of calling, “be with my people,” which led him through a Mennonite volunteer program to Habitat for Humanity in Fresno and then back home to Delaware, where he has now spent three decades building homes, community, and hope. He also reflects on his more recent ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church, explaining that seminary and ordained ministry formalized work he feels he had already been doing for years: connecting the church to the needs of the world and helping congregations live their faith in tangible ways.  A major theme of the conversation is Kevin’s conviction that a home means far more than shelter. He explains that first-time homeownership changes not only the life of a buyer, but the expectations and trajectory of that buyer’s children. Stability, affordability, health, school performance, and the possibility of college or long-term advancement all become more attainable when a family has a stable place to live. He describes homeownership as a launch pad that enables families to live more fully into their potential.  The discussion then broadens from individual families to the housing system in Delaware. Kevin argues that Habitat’s role is larger than building houses. It includes advocacy around the structural causes of the housing crisis, especially zoning rules that block density and keep affordable housing from being built in many suburban areas. He discusses the need for inclusionary zoning, where municipalities require a portion of new market-rate development to be set aside as affordable, and he pushes back against the idea that affordable housing should be confined to Wilmington or other urban cores. Teachers, nurses, caregivers, and service workers live throughout the state and need housing in every kind of community.  The faith dimension runs through the whole conversation. Kevin frames Habitat explicitly as a Christian ministry that puts God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. He sees churches as natural partners, not only through volunteering and fundraising, but increasingly through property stewardship. One striking example is Habitat’s partnership with the New Castle Presbytery to develop 23 housing units on church-owned land in Glasgow. This part of the conversation shows how churches can move from charity alone toward using their assets in structurally meaningful ways.  The episode also clarifies what makes Habitat’s model distinctive. Kevin explains that Habitat is not simply a builder. It also acts as a lender, providing zero-interest mortgages and spending months preparing families through training and sweat equity to support long-term success. He emphasizes that Habitat does not “give away homes” and that the organization serves people who are financially and personally ready for homeownership, while also offering repair progrSend us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

This episode of the Design and Religion Podcast explores the role of community helpers through a conversation with leaders from NAMI Delaware, the state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.Van Shea Sedita welcomes Marie Wenzel, CEO of NAMI Delaware, and Jenny Graham, who leads development and engagement efforts. The discussion focuses on how NAMI supports individuals living with serious mental illness, their families, and the broader community through free support groups, education, crisis training for police, and affordable housing.Marie explains that NAMI Delaware is currently modernizing a 40-year-old organization to meet new behavioral health challenges. Their work spans peer-led support groups, family education programs, workplace mental health education, crisis intervention team (CIT) training for law enforcement, and the operation of dozens of homes providing stable housing for individuals with serious mental illness.The conversation emphasizes the power of peer support and lived experience. Both the hosts and guests highlight how healing often happens through relationships with others who understand similar struggles. Marie notes that recovery is relational and community-driven, which is why NAMI focuses heavily on connection, support groups, and accessible help lines.Van shares his personal motivation for serving on the NAMI Delaware board, reflecting on experiences growing up in New York City where he encountered stories of trauma among peers at a young age. That exposure helped shape his belief that communities must actively support mental health and reduce stigma.The episode also addresses the complex role NAMI plays as both a housing provider and support network. Staff members frequently act as connectors—repairing homes while also providing compassion, listening, and guidance to residents who often lack family support.A critical moment in the conversation asks what would happen if NAMI Delaware disappeared. Marie explains that the state would lose a large network of free mental health resources, advocacy, system navigation, and supportive housing, leaving many individuals vulnerable to homelessness, incarceration, or disengagement from care.The discussion concludes with a call for community participation through volunteering, membership, and donations. The guests stress that meaningful help often begins with simple actions: listening, showing kindness, and supporting organizations that build social connection.The central theme of the episode is clear: mental health is not an isolated issue affecting “other people.” It touches everyone, and communities thrive when helpers step forward.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

This episode centers on Dan Zauderer, founder and CEO of Grassroots Grocery, and his effort to address food insecurity through a model rooted in dignity, volunteerism, and neighborhood connection. Dan explains that Grassroots Grocery is not simply a food distribution nonprofit. It is a movement built around a simple but powerful idea: neighbors helping neighbors. The work uses food as the medium, while the deeper mission is to rebuild community and belonging.  A major strength of the conversation is the way Dan reframes food insecurity. He pushes back against the narrow picture many people hold in their minds. Food insecurity is not limited to extreme starvation or visible homelessness. It also includes working families, people in public housing, and households that simply cannot afford healthy, life-affirming food regularly. He makes clear that many people who objectively qualify as food insecure would never describe themselves that way. Shame, comparison, and social stigma distort self-perception. That insight gives the episode unusual depth. It moves the issue from charity language into systems and identity.  Dan then outlines the organization’s two main programs. The first is The Great Sandwich Race, a corporate volunteer experience in which teams race against the clock to make sandwiches that are later delivered to community partners serving people in need across New York City. The second is the Produce Party, Grassroots Grocery’s flagship Saturday operation in the Bronx. Volunteers gather in a parking lot, unload donated produce, sort and pack it, compost what cannot be used, and then drive the produce out to about 30 communities through local volunteer leaders called Grassroots Grocers. Dan describes this system as a hub-and-spoke model. It is simple, asset-light, and highly scalable.  The episode becomes especially strong when it shifts from logistics to ethos. Dan insists that this work is joyful. He rejects the idea that social action must be fueled mainly by anger. He wants to build a movement that feels celebratory, participatory, and alive. That is why the language matters. It is a “produce party,” not a grim service line. It is a “great sandwich race,” not a sterile volunteer shift. Through those choices, the organization creates energy that invites broad participation across class, age, religion, and background. Dan says plainly that even people with means, even families driving expensive cars, are welcome in the tent if they are willing to show up and help. This openness becomes one of the most compelling leadership principles in the episode.  Find out more about Grassroots Greocery: https://www.grassrootsgrocery.org/Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this episode of Design and Religion – Look for the Helpers, Van Sedita and Pastor Nate Phillips speak with Michelle Santoro, Associate Director of Philanthropy at Undue Medical Debt, about a quiet but powerful movement working to eliminate medical debt across the United States.Undue Medical Debt purchases large bundles of unpaid medical debt from hospitals and debt collectors—often for pennies on the dollar—and then abolishes it entirely for those who qualify. The organization targets people whose medical debt is overwhelming relative to their income or who live near the poverty line. Once the debt is purchased, it disappears: credit damage is removed, legal threats stop, and families receive a letter informing them that their debt has been forgiven as a gift from donors and community partners.  The conversation explores how medical debt works behind the scenes. Many Americans assume it only affects the uninsured, yet Michelle explains that underinsurance, high deductibles, and billing complexity often push middle-class families into debt as well. Even people with insurance can face massive bills after a single health event.  Van frames the issue through a moral and systemic lens, noting how medical billing can feel unjust when patients are charged extreme prices for basic treatments. Michelle describes how Undue’s work focuses on restoring dignity rather than assigning blame. Their goal is not simply to eliminate existing debt but to eventually make their own organization unnecessary by ending medical debt altogether.The episode highlights how faith communities have become key partners in this work. Churches, donors, and local campaigns raise funds that Undue uses to abolish debt within specific counties. Because debt can often be purchased cheaply on the secondary market, a relatively small donation can eliminate a much larger amount of debt—often around $100 for every $1 donated.Beyond the financial impact, the human consequences are profound. Michelle shares that many recipients report feeling free to return to doctors and seek treatment again after years of avoiding care out of fear of accumulating more debt.The conversation closes with a simple call to action: share the story, support campaigns, and help build communities that actively care for their most vulnerable neighbors.Reach out to Michelle Santoro to start your own Undue campaign! Michelle Santoro [email protected]://www.unduemedicaldebt.org/Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

This episode of Design and Religion – Look for the Helpers features Chris Locke, founder of SL24: UnLocke the Light and Sean’s House in Newark, Delaware. Chris shares the story of losing his son Sean in 2018 to suicide just weeks before his 24th birthday and how that tragedy reshaped his life and mission. Sean appeared to have everything: he was a Division I athlete, a team captain at the University of Delaware, and someone widely loved in his community. Yet he was quietly battling depression and anxiety.Chris explains that Sean left a note with one powerful line: “Depression is a real thing.” That sentence became the catalyst for Chris’s work. After Sean’s death, a memorial basketball event drew more than 3,000 people and raised $200,000, revealing the depth of community support and the widespread need for mental health awareness.From that moment emerged SL24 and eventually Sean’s House — a 24/7 safe haven located in the same house Sean lived in while attending college. The model is intentionally simple and deeply human: a welcoming home environment with food, couches, and trained peer support volunteers who listen to anyone who walks in. No intake forms. No sign-ins. Just conversation.Over five years, the house has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors and directly intervened in hundreds of suicide crises. The heart of the program is peer support — volunteers with lived experience who sit with visitors and listen without judgment. Chris describes how many individuals struggle silently for years before verbalizing their pain, and how environments like Sean’s House help shorten that timeline.The conversation moves into deeper themes about vulnerability, faith, and community. Chris reflects on how losing Sean changed him personally, particularly his ability to listen with empathy. Pastor Nate connects the work of Sean’s House to spiritual ideas of presence and hospitality, suggesting that churches could learn from the openness of the space.Van shares his own experience with addiction and recovery, emphasizing how long it can take for someone to find the courage to seek help. Chris highlights the connection between untreated mental health struggles and addiction, noting that many people self-medicate to cope with unseen pain.The episode closes with reflections on how community spaces — whether a house, a church, or a dinner table — can become places of healing. Chris emphasizes that the most powerful support often comes from simple human connection: sitting together, breaking bread, and listening.Sean’s House continues to grow through volunteers, community donations, and the expansion of “Sean’s Rooms” in local high schools. Chris remains focused on Delaware while helping other communities replicate the model if they wish.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this episode, Nate and Van  sit down with Alex Kocman to discuss his theological framework and his new book, Ordered to Love. The conversation explores the tension between "localism"—focusing on one's immediate family and community—and the global missionary mandate. Kocman argues against treating the church like a digital media company, suggesting instead that the local church is a primary countermeasure to the isolation of the digital age. The trio engages in a candid debate over missionary methodologies, comparing a "proclamational" model (prioritizing the preaching of the Gospel) with more "holistic" or humanitarian approaches. The discussion concludes with a moving personal story from Van about a real-life "helper" moment, prompting a reflection on how both natural support and spiritual truth work together to provide meaning to those in despairSend us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this episode of Design and Religion – Look for the Helpers, Van and Pastor Nate welcome Dan McGarvey Esq., a criminal youth defense attorney in Colorado.Dan works daily with children charged in the juvenile system—and sometimes prosecuted as adults. He explains the profound gap between how the legal system treats youth and what neuroscience tells us about adolescent brain development. The brain, he notes, is not fully formed until at least age 25, sometimes later. Yet teenagers often face adult consequences for decisions made in moments of immaturity, impulsivity, and fear.The conversation leads beyond legal mechanics into moral tension. Dan describes the layered realities behind many juvenile cases: unstable homes, trauma, addiction, neglect, poverty, and mistrust of court-appointed attorneys. He pushes back against the “single story” narrative that flattens young defendants into nothing more than “the crime they committed.” Every child has context. Every case has a backstory.Dan closes with what sustains him: small wins. Getting a case transferred back to juvenile court. Protecting constitutional rights. Recognizing colleagues’ victories. The work is heavy, but it matters.This episode refuses easy answers. Instead, it asks listeners to see more clearly—and to stop flattening children into a single story.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this Look for the Helpers episode, Van and Pastor Nate sit down with researcher and social scientist Julie Krohner, who defines her work simply: helping people cultivate self- and other-empathy. Julie’s premise is: Safety and attention can create transcendence. When order enters the nervous system, it frees cognitive bandwidth. That’s when people feel expansion, unity, and source-connection. It doesn’t require supernatural causation to be sacred. There is only one “you,” and yet you share an emotional life with billions of others. Humans are far more alike than different And it requires the humility to admit: we are more similar than we pretend.Resources:[Book] Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth, Awakening To Your Life's Purpose[Episode] Sacred Geometry - Dr. Robert Gilbert on Know Thyself podcast https://youtu.be/jB9UGRzoSl8?si=ARYThZUOViJ9SZcqJulie:Research & Communication Consultancy www.lightinguprooms.comPodast - In Kind https://inkind.buzzsprout.comSend us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this episode of Design and Religion: Helpers, we sit with Jason Baxley, a police lieutenant, tactical flight officer, and paramedic whose work exists at the intersection of authority and compassion.Baxley describes a nontraditional path into law enforcement, beginning in medicine rather than criminal justice. That decision shaped how he approaches crisis. Not as a problem to control, but as a human moment that demands judgment, restraint, and care under pressure. In the aviation unit, he often holds multiple roles at once: law enforcement officer, medical responder, teacher, and teammate. Sometimes all within minutes.The conversation explores the moral tension of service. How do you act decisively without becoming detached? How do you care deeply without losing command? Baxley explains that real courage is rarely dramatic. It’s often procedural, quiet, and invisible. Training matters. Trust matters. And so does knowing when not to act.We also discuss public misunderstanding of emergency work, the limits of certainty in high-stakes decisions, and the unseen cost of service borne by families. Baxley reframes heroism away from individual acts and toward systems of preparation, shared responsibility, and collective resilience.This episode doesn’t resolve the tension between compassion and authority. It sits with it. And in doing so, it offers a clearer picture of what helping actually looks like when there’s no applause, no clarity, and no rewind button.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In the first episode of Look for the Helpers, we talk with Jamie Moulthrop of Table of Plenty about what food insecurity actually looks like in suburban America. Jamie shares what he’s seeing on the ground, including how demand has grown since COVID, how housing costs have outpaced income for working families and seniors, and why dignity and relationships matter as much as food itself. This is a quiet, honest conversation about care, constraint, and the everyday work of helping where systems fall short.Jamie begins by situating the work geographically. The area Table of Plenty serves is unincorporated and often overlooked, falling between Wilmington and Newark. That invisibility matters. It shapes how need is misunderstood and how few services exist nearby. Table of Plenty operates in what Jamie describes as a service desert, where people may appear stable from the outside yet are one financial shock away from crisis.A key theme of the conversation is the shift from distribution to relationship. Early versions of the ministry focused on giving food. A pivotal change came when Table of Plenty partnered with Community of Christ Church, gaining space not just to distribute goods but to talk, listen, and build trust. Jamie frames this as a shift from “giving people things” to hospitality and relationship-building, influenced by his mentor, Bill Perkins, of Friendship House.The episode offers clear qualitative and quantitative insight into post-COVID realities. Jamie confirms that Table of Plenty has seen nearly 30% year-over-year growth in demand since COVID, largely driven by housing costs. He explains that the people they serve are primarily the working poor—individuals with jobs, homes, and basic stability, but whose incomes no longer cover the costs of housing, food, healthcare, and transportation.Jamie illustrates this with a stark housing example. Thirty years ago, a median-income household in Delaware could afford a starter home. Today, those same homes cost $350,000–$400,000 while starting incomes have barely moved. The math no longer works. As a result, food pantries function as gap fillers, allowing families to redirect grocery money toward rent, utilities, or medical bills.The conversation expands to demographics. About 70% of Table of Plenty’s clients are Latino families, many with children and strong aspirations. At the same time, Jamie describes a sharp and growing increase in seniors on fixed incomes, whose rent, healthcare, and technology barriers are accelerating hardship. In some cases, Table of Plenty staff may be the only people who greet these seniors by name each week.Dignity emerges as the central organizing principle. Table of Plenty intentionally minimizes paperwork, avoids gatekeeping, and prioritizes welcome over verification. Success is not measured by volume served, but by lives transformed. The episode closes with a reflection on meaning. What sustains the work is not efficiency metrics, but moments of rSend us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

This episode examines religious innovation through three distinct lenses.Philip Jones, a retired Presbyterian pastor, brings institutional honesty. He names the anxiety beneath the language of innovation: declining membership, aging volunteers, and a shrinking financial runway. From inside the church, he explains how innovation often functions as a survival strategy, and why small groups, digital formats, and community service have become central attempts to rebuild connection—sometimes with mixed results.Mark Friedman, a Jewish author and thinker, offers a textual and historical counterweight. He argues that innovation untethered from tradition weakens religion rather than saving it. Drawing on the Torah and Talmud, he demonstrates that Judaism has always allowed for change, but only when it is justified through a deep engagement with sacred texts, rather than cultural convenience.Van moderates the conversation from a design and systems perspective, pressing on assumptions both traditions share. He reframes innovation as a question of delivery, relevance, and meaning-making, asking whether institutions are redesigning faith itself or merely repackaging it to keep people engaged.Together, the episode challenges the idea that growth is the right metric—and asks whether religious innovation can preserve depth without resorting to pandering.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Van invites Drew Marshall to explore the world of Islam through the lens of architecture as a living expression of belief, migration, conflict, humility, community behavior, and identity. Drew, an Islamic Studies expert and community advocate, guides us through the evolution of mosque design from Abraham and early Mecca to its global adaptations across the centuries. The conversation delves into the lived experience of entering a mosque, exploring transitional spaces, ritual washing (wudu), light, pattern, sound, and spatial choreography that prepare a person emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. The episode then pivots into the “modern identity crisis” of Muslims in America. Drew speaks candidly about colonialism, wars in Muslim countries, the challenge of loving a land whose government harms your homeland, and the spiritual obligation to contribute positively anyway. He frames gratitude not as passivity, but as civic responsibility: promoting a better parking culture, cleaner roads, community contributions, and service as a form of worship.The episode closes with a challenge: that contemporary Muslims, like all faith groups, must examine themselves through tradition without abandoning it — the concept of the mujaddid, someone who renews the faith for the times. Sacred design, in this frame, isn’t about buildings. It’s about behavior, belonging, and the everyday rituals that shape how a community is perceived and how it perceives itself.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

This episode brings together Rev. Dr. Pamela Adams, Van, and Pastor Nate for a deep, candid conversation about what actually happens at the intersection of mental health, spirituality, accountability, and human struggle. What emerges is a picture of healing that is warm and joyful, but also grounded, gritty, and human.Pam begins by breaking down why therapy scares people: not because therapy is dramatic, but because sitting in a room and talking about yourself is uncomfortable. And she doesn’t sugarcoat it: real healing requires letting those doors open, doing the work, facing consequences instead of blaming “God’s will,” and refusing the fantasy of a one-and-done deliverance. One of her strongest themes: spiritual healing without maintenance collapses. Biblical stories of Jesus healing people don’t include the “follow-up appointments” — the Tuesday-after-the-miracle part. Today, professionals fill that gap. Prayer and therapy don’t compete; they stabilize each other. She urges people to pray on Sunday and see their therapist on Tuesday.The through-line:Healing is work. Faith and therapy are partners. You must deal with yourself before you can deal with anyone else. And the people who look the healthiest are often the ones doing the most unseen work.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this thought-provoking episode, Van Sedita and retired Presbyterian pastor Phil Jones speak with Mark Friedman, author of Come Now, Let Us Reason Together. The conversation explores what authentic Judaism means beyond stereotypes of rigid law and ritual. Friedman recounts his journey from Reform Judaism through years among Chabad communities, describing how neither liberal editing nor strict orthodoxy fully capture Judaism’s heart.He argues that after the Second Temple’s destruction, the rabbis “reinvented” Judaism—replacing sacrifice with study and prayer, grounding faith in debate and moral reasoning. The Talmud, he explains, reveals a religion built on adaptation: rabbis altered harsh or outdated laws as moral understanding evolved. Examples include nullifying ancient punishments and reinterpreting economic laws to preserve fairness and social stability.Phil connects this to Christianity’s own struggle with scriptural authority, asking whether reformation means faithfulness or rebellion. Together, they wrestle with questions of permission, authority, and innovation: who decides when a law no longer serves its purpose? Van draws out the shared tension between divine command and human conscience—how both faiths hold space for doubt, reinterpretation, and renewal.The episode closes on a hopeful note. Friedman insists that ritual matters only if it deepens ethical living. Jones adds that true innovation in religion comes from returning to the core covenant—to love God and neighbor. Across traditions, they agree: sacred texts endure not because they freeze time, but because they invite each generation to reason together.(Summary by Chat GPT)Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this candid conversation, Van Sedita, Nate Phillips, and John Molina-Moore take on men’s health through stories of stress, faith, and vulnerability. What starts with beard lotion jokes quickly opens into a serious and deeply honest exchange about how men process—or avoid processing—emotions.John shares how stress physically manifested as back pain despite being in the best shape of his life, revealing how the body often tells the truth before we do. Nate connects that experience to learned childhood patterns and “small-t” trauma—those early lessons about when it was or wasn’t safe to rest, cry, or fail. Together they trace how these unexamined coping habits—sports, work, over-productivity—carry into adulthood and can quietly become poisons instead of medicine.From there, the discussion turns spiritual. Nate reframes the Parable of the Talents with a subtle but transformative “but” in the text, shifting it from a story of punishment and performance to one of grace and relational worth. The group links that insight to the modern pressure for men to constantly prove value—physically, professionally, and even spiritually.By the end, the episode expands outward: from childhood wounds to cultural masculinity, from personal stress to systemic harm. John names the reality that men commit most acts of violence, and the hosts wonder how unprocessed pain feeds that pattern. Van asks whether framing the issue as “men’s health” is even the right lens, or whether we should talk instead about human wholeness and the undervalued work of nurture.Through humor, humility, and faith, the episode lands on a hopeful note: that men’s health begins not with dominance or denial, but with balance—between inner child and adult self, between productivity and presence, between masculine and feminine energies that make a whole life sacred.(summary of Transcript by ChatGPT)Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

What makes an experience unforgettable—and how do we design for it?In our latest Design & Religion, Van and Pastor Nate sit down with UX legend Jared Spool to unpack “indelible experiences.”From Disney’s crisis-ready hospitality to tissues in the pew and playful product micro-moments, we explore how the best teams:Exceed expectations (the stuff people can’t stop talking about)Anticipate latent needs (needs users don’t know they have—yet)Eliminate burden (so meaning, not friction, takes center stage)We also dig into the difference between moments vs. experiences, and why community—online, at church, or in your neighborhood—is the ultimate retention engine.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this lively episode, Van and Pastor Nate dive into the hype and hope of AI—asking what it means for creativity, conscience, and the Church. From Black Mirror-style “hollow people” to very real ways AI can prep you for doctor visits, job interviews, and tough conversations, they wrestle with the promise and the peril: Can a tool that doesn’t “feel” still help us live better lives?Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van are joined by design researcher Oxana Loseva to explore endurance—how we keep going without losing ourselves. They contrast resilience with endurance, and Nate shares how gratitude in pastoral work turns burden into privilege. Oxana reflects on stress, health, and identity, while Van reframes tough days as “things we get to do.” Together they discuss removing small choices to save energy, the limits of helping—especially in abusive situations—and Edwin Friedman’s “bridge” fable about when to hold on and when to let go. The takeaway: endurance isn’t blind persistence; it’s grounded by gratitude, boundaries, and faith, helping designers and everyday people stay with what matters most—and step away when staying harms them.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van are joined by Charlie Hannagan, Tech Support Specialist about the role of technology in modern church services, particularly regarding live streaming and digital content creation. They talk about the balance between maintaining traditional church values while leveraging technology for outreach and pastoral care, with emphasis on avoiding over-reliance on digital presence at the expense of genuine human connection. Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van engage in a wide-ranging conversation covering misinformation, and political discourse, while expressing concerns about leadership and the spread of false information on social media. They discussed personal experiences and shared perspectives on simple-living, sobriety, the importance of controlling what one can in challenging times, and the value of education and peaceful action over violence. Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van interview Jeffrey Miller, a renowned church organist, about his career and experiences in church music and opera. They cover the planning and execution of memorial services, including the importance of music selection, personal preferences, and setting boundaries for family contributions. Finally, they explore the challenges of funeral attendance and community involvement, emphasizing the need for personal boundaries and policies in religious services.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Rachele Gilmore joins Nate and Van to discuss their personal experiences with performing and focus on the challenges and rewards of their respective careers. They also explored the psychological and therapeutic aspects of performing and leading worship services, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, subtlety, and interactivity. The conversation ended with a discussion on the significance of singing and prayer in personal and communal experiences, and the potential for finding joy and a meditative state in these activities.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Rev. Dr. Jason Santos joins to discuss popular media and social influencers on religious views, and the challenges of tribalism in communication. We also explore the potential for rethinking how the gospel is communicated and proclaimed in the worship service, the importance of engaging with the world beyond their religious community, and the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding and addressing varieties of social issues. The conversation also touched on the responsibility of religious leaders to engage with popular media, the role of podcasts in facilitating diverse conversations, and the potential for clergy to bridge gaps.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van discuss the importance of creativity, positive change, and inclusivity in their work. They explore various topics including community engagement, selflessness, and the potential impact of current events on people's well-being, while also touching on the influence of different voices and media on their congregation. The conversation concludes with reflections on personal beliefs, the value of diverse perspectives, and the importance of raw, unstructured conversations in challenging one's own viewpoints.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Oxana Lesova, a User Researcher, joins Nate and Van to discuss her everyday work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, with individuals and communities with disabilities. The conversation concluded with reflections on the importance of allowing individuals to tell their own stories, the value of empathy in pastoral counseling, and the significance of unity and connection that comes when we invite everyone -their whole self "to the table".Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

David Franklin an Accessibility Expert, joins Nate and Van to discuss the importance of inclusivity and accessibility. They also explore the challenges of ensuring inclusivity in web design and the importance of receiving feedback from users and audience members in a church service. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding the context and potential biases in the Bible, the need for a two-way approach to inclusion, and the challenges of balancing change with tradition in church services and modern technology.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Edwin, Nate and Van continue the discussion with Edwin exploring the importance of diversity and authenticity in relationships, with Edwin sharing his experiences as a the first non-white senior pastor in his current church and the challenges of being an outsider in a predominantly white congregation. Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this part one, of two-part episode, Rev. Edwin Estevez, joins Nate, and Van and shares his experiences growing up in diverse environments and discusses the cultural significance of sharing food, the impact of technology on human interaction, the importance of acknowledging the amygdala in understanding human behavior, and the challenges of navigating cultural differences in diverse communities. Lastly, they touch on the challenges churches face in adapting to changing neighborhoods, the importance of local community engagement, and the need for more meaningful, long-term relationships in community service.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Rev. John Molina-Moore joins Nate and Van in discussing preaching and the finer points and pitfalls of encouraging action. The conversation explored the balance between comfort and challenge in sermons, the importance of addressing contemporary issues thoughtfully, and the role of activism and personal growth in social advocacy. Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Van and Nate discuss Van's perspective as a designer on the art of preaching, comparing it to trial lawyers' persuasive techniques. Van begins to share his thoughts on what he believes for both clergy and design perspectives, mentioning contrasting examples from the design world.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Rev. Dr. Adam Hearlson joins Van, and Nate to discuss the craft and challenges of preaching, the importance of balancing responsibility and creative risk-taking, and the role of storytelling in conveying lessons. They cover the importance of equipping people with the necessary tools and motivation to understand and take positive actions in their life.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

How do listeners, participants, and colleagues receive the key points we need them to? Van wears the "participant hat" and gives feedback about what he experiences during many sermons. Nate and Van also explore the challenges of preparation, authenticity, and structured vulnerability in communication. Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van once again welcome Rev. Dr. Jason Santos to discuss their fears and experiences, dealing with anxiety, and the concept of safety as a tangible reality of needs. They also explore the idea of redesigning religion and the balance between responsibility and faith, touching on topics such as the fear of death, the role of faith in shaping one's perspective on death, and the importance of humility. Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Jared Spool joins Nate and Van to share his preference for atheism and they pragmatically discuss how designers and clergy rely on faith to communicate, promise results, and persevere in the average day-to-day. Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Whitney Hess, a leadership coach, joins Nate and Van to discuss leading with love and compassion. The importance of questioning our leaders and creating hope in the face of adversity. They highlight the fear of being perceived as weak when choosing to lead with love, and the difficulty of staying connected to one's true nature in a society that seems increasingly designed to strip away humanity. They also touch on the potential impact of leaders in public service and the importance of empathy in everyday life and the workplace. Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Adam Ernster, a practicing Recovery Coach (for several well-known clients whose names have been omitted), joins Nate and Van to discuss his personal experiences with survival, self-awareness, trauma, and the impact of early life events on self-awareness and behavior. They also explore the role of religion and spirituality in recovery, the potential overload of information in modern times, and the importance of self-belief, letting go of expectations, and seeking help when feeling overwhelmed.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In February of 2012, Nate preached a sermon about how Van met his wife, two months before their wedding. In this special episode, we get to hear that message of tenacity and love.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Van welcomes Rev. Philip Jones to discuss the concept of love and its application in their respective fields. Van, who facilitates groups and educates people on design and problem-solving, saw a connection between loving God and loving one's neighbor. Philip agreed with Van's perspective and emphasized the importance of love in Jesus' teachings. They both acknowledged the challenges of maintaining love and unity in the face of current differing political opinions and animosity in our country. Van expressed concerns about the lack of factual information and the division it causes, particularly in political and social issues. Philip suggested a practical New Year's resolution to be deliberately loving. Philip and Van express concerns about the lack of agreement on what patriotism means and its implications for our country.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van discuss the rough plan for "redesigning" religion, focusing on the small steps and changes within the Protestant Church and the idea of breaking down the work by conducting a variety of six-week series on small topics. This would enable guests from various religious traditions to join, share ideas, and hopefully become allies. Concerns were raised about the time and manpower required for such an enormous effort, so we ask anyone interested in helping to email us at the address given at the end of this episode.Link to the presentation Van walked Nate through:https://bit.ly/dnr_redesign_planSend us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van discuss resilience and its relationship with self-compassion and faith, and its importance in overcoming personal struggles and finding one's identity. They also touch on the challenges of self-acceptance, the role of religion in providing support, and the importance of perseverance and having a stable foundation in navigating life's changes.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van discuss the importance of psychological safety in personal and professional relationships. They also explore how technology influences teamwork, technology's impact on human interaction, and the significance of creating a learning space. Additionally, they touch on the emotional challenges of religious and design leadership, the importance of acknowledging and dealing with pain, and the significance of how some churches leverage the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this brief episode, Nate has an ambitious and inspiring idea for where this podcast should focus.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Christine Fischer joins Nate and Van to share how nature inspires her approach to design and design education. They cover the value of expertise, the impact of technology on design, and the importance of imagination and creativity in problem-solving for design and religious community activities. Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

How do we create positive human change? Where have we seen organizations and ourselves fail to change? Nate and Van discuss the complexities of change, particularly in the context of the long-term effects, the need for authenticity, and the challenges of introducing changes in small teams and large organizations. They will also reflect on the unpredictability of change, the importance of shared ownership, and the need to focus on meaningful changes rather than superficial “sugar-high” changes.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Rev. Dr. Jason Santos visits us to discuss the intersection of game design and practical theology, the importance of adapting strategies in both religious practices and organizational systems, and the role of identity formation for youths in a rapidly changing world. Discussions touch on the challenges of defining right and wrong in modern society, the value of intergenerational practices in religious communities, and the potential benefits of incorporating games into various settings, such as youth ministry and corporate meetings. We cover the importance of critical thinking, contextualization, and understanding the underlying reasons for religious and organizational practices.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van discuss the concept of service, its importance in religious commitments, service design, and 12-step fellowship, and its impact on personal growth and community, especially for today's youth. They explore the role of churches and the importance of education in reducing violence and abuse among youths. Lastly, they emphasized the significance of slowing down, simplifying interactions, and focusing on meaningful service to make a positive and lasting impact on our world.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

Nate and Van discussed the challenges of being present and attentive in unexpected and emotionally taxing situations, emphasizing the importance of self-care and preparation. They also explored using "physical keys" to guarantee listening during in-person pastoral care and creative workshops. Lastly, they touched upon reflective listening, the benefits of nonviolent communication, and the need for self-improvement if we want to improve our listening and communication skills.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

We recorded this on November 7th, 2024, as we were filled with thoughts and emotions about the election results. Van began by trying to urge us all to consider the story we wanted to tell 4 or 5 years from now. We discussed how we believed that storytelling didn't happen in the 2024 election.  We also talked about legendary storytellers like Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King and his "prove, paint, and persuade" method, presenting facts, illustrating the main point with examples, and persuading the audience to take action. Nate emphasized the need for people to listen to a story rather than just being told a point, as it allows for a deeper connection and understanding.Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!Support the showWe envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/