The Radiant Soul

Have you ever looked at a deck of Tarot cards and felt more "arcane-shy" than intuitive? In this episode, host Jason Clark welcomes back his very first podcast guest, the brilliant Emilie Muñiz, to strip away the "mystical fluff" of divination. Emilie, a NYC native and creator of the Simplicity Tarot and Simplicity Lenormand, shares her journey from reading coffee cups in a Brooklyn kitchen to becoming a world-renowned deck creator. We dive deep into why you don't need a PhD in the arcane to trust your gut, how to feel a "yes" or "no" in your physical body, and why the future is never set in stone. In this episode, we explore:The Somatic Shift: Why a "No" lives in your stomach and a "Yes" lives in your chest. Tarot vs. Lenormand: How these systems differ and why one is like a "snapshot" of your current energy. The Ethical Lines: Why Emilie refuses to predict death but will help you navigate your love life. Spiritual Humility: The hilarious (and humbling) story of the time Emilie was "bitch-slapped" by a spirit. Whether you’re a chaos gardener, a mindfulness practitioner, or just someone looking for the sacred in your morning coffee, this conversation will help you befriend the cards and trust your own Radiant Soul.About Emilie: Emilie Muñiz is a tarot reader, deck creator, and teacher born in New York City with over two decades of experience in the mystical arts. She’s passionate about making tarot and Lenormand easy to learn and powerful to use, teaching in a fun, down-to-earth style that helps others trust their intuition and read with clarity. Emilie is the creator of Simplicity Tarot, Simplicity Lenormand, and the upcoming Fox Crystal Tarot, which blends crystal energy with animal wisdom. Her mission is to make divination approachable, empowering, and real for everyone. Learn more at TarotByEmilie.com or follow her @EmilieMunizTarot tarotbyemilie.com#TheRadiantSoul #TarotForBeginners #EmbodiedSpirituality #EmilieMuniz #SimplicityTarot #IntuitionTools #EcoSpirituality #ModernMystic #SomaticHealing #DivinationCommunity #TarotReader #MindfulnessPractice

Do you ever feel like the word "God" is a suit that doesn’t quite fit?In this deeply soulful episode of The Radiant Soul, host Br. Jay Clark explores the profound, often messy journey of finding a personal language for the Divine. We often think of spirituality as a fixed map handed down by others, but what if the "many names of God" are actually an invitation to discover the view from your own unique vantage point?Whether you identify as spiritual but not religious, a seeker in the midst of faith deconstruction, or an atheist who finds your "holy" in the silence of the woods, this conversation is for you. We’re peeling back the layers of dogma to reveal the "Grounded Mystic" within.In this episode, we dive deep into:The Power of Curation: Why even the most dogmatic believers are actually "curating" their own understanding of the Divine.The Language of Trauma: How to heal your relationship with the sacred by reclaiming your vocabulary and letting go of names that hurt.Eco-Spirituality & The Book of Nature: Finding the Divine in the "fractal of a fern" and the rhythm of the earth through a Franciscan lens.The Atheist’s Altar: Why a rejection of a "small God" is often a sacred act of integrity.The Paradox of Silence: Exploring the "Apophatic" path—where the most honest name for the Holy isn't a word, but a state of peace.It’s time to stop arguing about the map and start experiencing the mountain.Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with your soul, please leave a review! It helps other seekers find their way to our campfire.Join the Conversation: Follow Jay on Instagram @theradiantsoulpodcast for daily reflections on nature, somatic wellness, and the art of living radiantly.Deepen Your Practice: Check out the book Quantum Theology (edited by Keith Giles), featuring a chapter by Jay Clark on the intersection of modern mystery and ancient faith.Spirituality, Mindfulness, Faith Deconstruction, Religious Trauma, Somatic Healing, Eco-Spirituality, Nature-Based Practice, Self-Discovery, Personal Growth, Wellness, The Universe, Inner Peace, Divine Feminine, Ancient Wisdom, Modern Mystic.

Why do so many of us keep collecting spiritual practices but struggle to stay consistent with any of them? In this episode, Jay talks about the difference between consuming healing content and actually being formed by a daily practice. From bookmarked breathwork videos and nervous system tips to the deeper need for rhythm, roots, and repetition, this conversation explores why the next shiny thing can feel so tempting and what it takes to come back to what really grounds you. Jay shares his own struggle with inconsistency, how Atomic Habits helped him build a container for daily meditation, somatic practice, and time in nature, and why curiosity is not the problem… lack of roots is. If you’ve ever felt spiritually scattered, overwhelmed by wellness content, or tired of starting over, this episode is your invitation to stop curating a spiritual life and start living one.

What if God isn’t somewhere far away… but already here?In this episode, Jay shares a story from his childhood in rural Oklahoma-standing at the edge of a canyon, leaning into the wind, and discovering a deep sense of peace that felt like being held.This is a reflection on embodied spirituality, presence, and the sacred found in nature.On noticing God not just in belief… but in breath, in the body, and in the world around you.If you’ve ever felt something shift while standing in the wind, walking through trees, or simply being still… this episode is an invitation back to that.Back to presence.Back to your body.Back to the quiet awareness that you are not alone.#Spirituality#Mindfulness#NatureHealing#EmbodiedSpirituality#Presence

Do you feel that low-grade hum of anxiety in your chest? That’s the "Digital Hangover"—and it’s time for a revolution.In this episode of The Radiant Soul, host Jay Clark dives deep into the canopy to explore the radical, science-backed practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku). We aren’t just going for a walk in the woods; we are stage-managing a nervous system reset.In this episode, we explore:The "Tree Pharmacy": How phytoncides and terpenes (like Alpha-Pinene) literally boost your immune system’s Natural Killer cells by 50%.Fractals for the Brain: Why nature’s geometry acts as "Visual Xanax" for your optic nerve.Urban Bathing Hacks: How to find the "breath of the earth" even if you live in the heart of Oklahoma City.The DIY: Jay shares his signature Forest Bathing Mist recipe (Fir, Cedarwood, and Bergamot) for those days when you’re stuck at your desk.Eco-Anxiety & Solastalgia: How to move from "Ecological Boredom" to deep, embodied belonging.Whether you’re a seasoned eco-practitioner or a city dweller looking for a way to turn off the "Fight or Flight" response, this episode is your bridge back to the earth.Connect with The Radiant Soul:Follow us on Instagram @theradiantsoulpodcast for visual guides to natural fractals, essential oil recipes, and behind-the-scenes shots of the trail.Keywords: Forest Bathing, Shinrin-yoku, Nervous System Regulation, Eco-Spirituality, Somatic Healing, Digital Detox, Essential Oils, Wellness Bio-hacks, Solastalgia, Nature Therapy.

We often think of "spirituality" as something that happens in silence—on a mountaintop, in a hot spring, or in a perfectly quiet room. But eventually, we all have to come down from the mountain and get back to the "mud" of our daily lives.In this episode, Jay shares a personal journey from the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the reality of an Oklahoma backyard. He explores the concept of the "Chaos Garden" and why our most profound growth doesn't happen when things are perfect, but when we’re elbow-deep in the manure and the mess. From the "Poppycock Principle" to the power of being a participant in your own life, this is a conversation about finding balance when the "mountain" feels a world away.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The Spectator vs. The Participant: Why looking at a beautiful life isn't the same as living one.The "Poppycock Principle": A reminder that taking ourselves too seriously is the quickest way to lose our peace.Reframing the "Crap": How to see the stresses and failures of your past as the fertilizer for your future.The Mountain and the Seed: A final mantra for staying grounded when life feels overwhelming.Key Takeaway:You don’t have to choose between being "deep" and being "dirty." You are the mountain, but you are also the seed.

Peace isn't a destination you arrive at; it’s a frequency you tune into. In this episode of The Radiant Soul Podcast, Jason Clark tackles the exhausting world of "hustle culture" routines. We’re replacing high-pressure 5:00 AM cold plunges with Sacred Rhythms—simple, somatic habits that act as biological bookends for your nervous system.If you wake up reaching for your phone and go to bed with a racing heart, this is your guide to circadian grounding. Jason explores how to reclaim the first and last fifteen minutes of your day to ensure your soul stays "in your skin," even when the world gets loud.In this session, we explore:Routine vs. Rhythm: Why most self-care feels like another "to-do" and how to shift into a somatic pulse that actually sustains you.The Ritual of the Morning Cup: A deep-dive into sensory layering and using your morning coffee or tea as a powerful grounding anchor.The Evening Descent: How to "unzip the day" using somatic unloading to signal to your brain that it is finally safe to rest.Sleep Hygiene as Spiritual Practice: Moving beyond "blue light filters" and into the art of total surrender for restorative sleep.The Practice: A guided 60-second Morning Invocation and a soothing Body Scan for Sleep to help you drop the weight of the day.

Once you’ve cleared the internal static, how do you protect that space? In part 2 of 3 of this series Podcast, Jason aka Br. Jay moves from the body to the bedroom (and the backyard), exploring how to curate a Sensory Sanctuary that acts as a restorative subsidy for your health.In a world of "over-optimization," we’re ditching the expensive biohacks for foundational nervous system regulation. Jason defines what "Somatic" actually means—moving beyond movement and into the physical environment—and how to use your five senses to build an Architecture of Peace.In this session, we explore:The "Big Light" Tax: Why harsh overheads trigger fight-or-flight and how circadian-friendly lighting resets your biology.Olfactory Anchors: Using raw resins and scents to bypass cognitive barriers and stimulate the vagus nerve for instant calm.The Altar of the Ordinary: Why tactile anchors like river stones, raw linen, and soil are secret weapons for grounding and self-regulation.Biophilic Design: Simple ways to invite nature indoors to create micro-moments of awe in your daily life.The Practice: A guided sensory audit of your physical space to help you identify and place your own "Somatic Anchors."

Why does "finding peace" feel like so much work? In the debut episode of The Radiant Soul, Jason challenges the idea that we can think our way into stillness. If you’ve been feeling "off," restless, or like a "head walking around on a stick," this episode is your permission to stop performing and start releasing.In this session, we explore:The "In-breath" Obsession: Why our culture’s focus on productivity leaves our nervous systems in a state of "Digital Noon."Somatic Shaking: The biological secret animals use to process stress—and how you can use it to clear years of "static" from your tissues.The Truth of the Body: Moving the conversation away from logic and into the intelligence of your own skin.The Practice: A guided somatic release involving Somatic Dance and EFT Tapping to help you unzip the day and reclaim your radiance.

Many people today find themselves in a strange spiritual place. They are no longer fully at home in organized religion, yet they still feel drawn to something sacred.Maybe you’ve been through faith deconstruction.Maybe you’re reconstructing your beliefs.Maybe you simply consider yourself spiritual but not religious.In this episode of The Friary, Brother Jay shares a deeply personal reflection on returning to faith, wrestling with doubt, and discovering that the sacred may not always be found in certainty.After years of questioning old beliefs, Jay realized he had never fully asked what it means to rebuild faith in a thoughtful and authentic way.Instead of trying to prove devotion through religious striving, this Lenten reflection explores a different path. One rooted in three ancient spiritual ideas known as the transcendentals: truth, beauty, and goodness.What if the sacred is not found in having all the right answers, but in paying attention to the moments that awaken wonder, honesty, and compassion in our everyday lives?This conversation is for spiritual seekers, people healing from religious wounds, those navigating faith deconstruction, and anyone curious about mystical spirituality and contemplative living.Topics explored in this episode includefaith deconstruction and reconstructionspirituality beyond organized religiontruth, beauty, and goodness as doorways to the sacredfinding meaning in uncertaintycontemplative spirituality and mindful livingexperiencing the divine through everyday life

If you’ve ever walked into a sanctuary carrying questions heavier than the stones in the walls, this episode is a chair pulled up just for you.In this episode of The Friary, Br. Jay invites us out of the "library of the mind" and back to the heat of the fire. For many who have walked through spiritual deconstruction, the old maps of certainty have failed. We’ve unraveled the knots and doubted the dogmas, yet a persistent ache remains—a "homing beacon" for a God who refuses to remain a mere concept.Drawing from the "scandalous" language of the Song of Songs and the visceral mysticism of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, Br. Jay explores the Eucharist not as a dry ritual, but as a Divine Union.In this episode, we discuss:The Quantum Heart: Br. Jay shares his recent contribution to Keith Giles’ new book on Quantum Theology.The Lover and the Beloved: Why the Church Fathers and Mystics used erotic language to describe the soul’s hunger for God.Faith After Deconstruction: How the "broken bread" is the perfect meal for those who feel "unraveled."The Franciscan Path: Finding the Creator of the Stars hiding in a simple crumb of bread.Whether you are "smoking and crackling" like the wood in St. John’s fire or you are ready for the "kisses of His mouth," come and discover why the table isn't for the full—it’s for the starving.Stay in the Union.Keywords: Eucharist, Sacramental Life, Franciscan Spirituality, Christian Mysticism, Spiritual Deconstruction, Quantum Theology, Keith Giles, Song of Songs, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, The Universal Christ, Faith after doubt, LGBTQ affirming Christianity, Contemplative prayer, Progressive Catholicism, Healing from church hurt.

We talk a lot about following Jesus. But we rarely talk about where he actually goes.In this episode, I speak plainly and unapologetically about a truth that runs straight through the Gospels. Jesus identifies himself with the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. Not symbolically. Personally.Drawing from Scripture, the witness of the saints, and everyday life, this conversation explores why caring for the poor is not a side issue of Christian faith but central to it. This is not about politics or guilt. It is about discipleship, proximity, and learning to recognize Christ where he has already chosen to be found.If you have ever tried to keep Jesus comfortable, spiritual, and out of the way, this episode might lovingly ruin that plan.

In this episode of The Friary, Brother Jay sits down with who friends Saxon and Dave for a brave, unguarded conversation about faith, loss, integrity, and the cost of staying when staying no longer feels honest.This is not a debate.It is not a deconstruction spectacle.And it is not an attempt to pull anyone back.It is a listening practice.Together, we explore what pushed them away, what the Church misunderstood, what grief still lingers, and what kind of repentance and change might make faith communities safer, humbler, and more trustworthy in the future.If you are still in the Church, this episode invites you to listen without defensiveness. If you have left, it offers language for grief without bitterness. If you are somewhere in between, you are not alone.Pull up a chair.The door is open.

A gay Catholic told Pope Francis: “We just want Jesus Christ too.”In this episode, Daniel Tillson, Theology for the Unwanted, shares his journey from secrecy in a conservative parish to advising the Holy See, and the moment Pope Francis told him, “The Church does not condemn you.” We explore the blessing of gay couples, what’s happening in Belgium, and how Catholic doctrine develops over time. Not a debate. A real conversation about faith, truth, and belonging.You can find Theology for the Unwanted Podcast here.Order the Theology for the Unwanted Book.Follow them on Instagram at theounwanted

In this episode of The Friary, we explore one of the heart questions of faith: What does it really mean to love God, ourselves, and others? Jesus’ teaching on the two greatest commandments — to love God and love your neighbor as yourself — points us into a deeper truth about spiritual vision, identity, and transformation.We trace this thread from the story of creation, through Christ’s call to take up our cross, into the work of spiritual healing and the renewal of our vision. Along the way we draw from Scripture, Franciscan theology, and a powerful poem by Rumi that invites us to see love not as fragmented but as one unified movement.Whether you’re wrestling with self-worth, seeking a deeper experience of God’s presence, or longing to make your faith more embodied and generous, this conversation will invite you to: rethink what it means to love yourself rediscover the image of God within youand learn how loving others becomes a natural overflow of divine loveThis episode is for seekers, believers, and anyone longing for spiritual growth, clarity, compassion, and connection.Share this with someone who needs encouragement today. Like, follow, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps others find this conversation and grow in faith and love.

In this episode, Br. Jay sits down with Bishop David Strong, presiding bishop of the Apostolic Catholic Church in America, to explore the Independent Sacramental Movement and the kind of ministry that takes shape beyond traditional parish walls. We talk about priesthood on the margins, the healing power of sacrament, and what it means to build a Church that makes room for LGBTQ people, African American communities, and all those told they did not belong.We also explore how New Thought spirituality has shaped Bishop Strong’s theology, bringing together inner transformation, divine presence, and embodied faith. This is a conversation about a Church still being born, about power that looks like blessing, and about God showing up wherever love is allowed to breathe.Pull up a chair. The table is wide.

"God draws straight with crooked lines."We’ve all heard it, but what does it actually look like when your life feels more like a zigzag than a straight shot?This week at The Friary, Brother Jay dives deep into the "crooked lines" of his own journey-from the pain of being kicked out of a fundamentalist church to finding a radical, expansive home as an Episcopal Franciscan. It’s a story about panic attacks at Pride services, the "Jesus-adjacent" life, and the startling realization that the God who promised "I will never leave you" actually meant it.As we stare down a New Year, we’re ditching the "Hustle" and the "Apathy." We’re looking for a Third Way.In this episode, we explore:Why your "Vision Board" might be keeping you from seeing what’s actually there.The shift from a Map (which is rigid) to a Compass (which is directional).How to find "The Table" when you’ve been told you don’t belong.A Franciscan rhythm for 2026 that is about beholding rather than achieving.Whether you are a devout contemplative, a cynical seeker, or someone just looking for a gentler way to exist in the world—pull up a chair. The door is unlocked.Let’s breathe, settle in, and begin.

In this heartfelt episode of The Friary, Brother Jay sits down with The Very Rev. Br. Tyler C. Richards, OCS - dean of a cathedral, Dominican novice, preacher, writer, spiritual companion, and digital creator (@priestnthenorth).Tyler shares the story of a childhood encounter with God, leaving fundamentalism, discovering Anglicanism, and slowly realizing the shape of the vocation that had been chasing him for years.Together, they explore Dominican spirituality, the tug of religious life, the ache of suffering, the gift of silence, and why young adults are finding their way into the Episcopal Church. Tyler also reflects on leading a parish through COVID and what gave him hope when the world seemed to unravel.This is a conversation for anyone discerning their place, wrestling with questions, or longing for a faith that is ancient, honest, and alive.The Very Rev. Br. (Michael) Tyler C. Richards, OCS, is a native of Alabama. He attended the University of Alabama for his undergraduate degree and holds a Bachelor's of English Literature. His seminary training occurred at The School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of The South, where he earned a Master’s of Divinity. He also holds a certificate of Spiritual Companioning from The University of Wisconsin at Green Bay, and is currently working towards a Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching from The School of Theology. Dean Richards is a novice Friar in the Episcopal Dominican Order of Christ the Saviour and serves as deputy director of education for the order. His written works have been published in Forward Day by Day, as well as contributions made to The Disciples Way, also published by Forward Movement. He is the author of “This Far by Grace,” a blog hosted on Substack, as well as being a digital content creator on TikTok @priestnthenorth. Dean Richards also serves as the convener for the Mission Action Team for Discipleship and Formation for the Diocese of Wisconsin and as a deputy for General Convention.

In this episode, Br. Jay offers a brief message of hope - of a God willing to enter to muck to clean us, to wash our feet, and love us... warts and all.

What if the path to God isn’t up, but down? This episode is the second episode on Franciscan Mysticism and explores how the wisdom of St. Francis, the Letter of James, and the ancient teaching of non-dual seeing invite us to find the sacred in what we usually overlook-the ordinary, the broken, and the beautifully human.

What if God isn’t found in power or perfection, but in humility, simplicity, and the small wonders of daily life? In this episode, we explore the heart of Franciscan mysticism and spirituality-seeing Christ in creation, embracing poverty as freedom, and finding divine beauty in the ordinary. It’s an invitation to rediscover the good, the true, and the beautiful pulsing through everything.

In this episode Br. Jay explores what prayer is, and why the question "Does God answer prayer?" might better be asked, "Does God meet us in prayer?"

Is God’s love truly without end? In this episode of The Friary, I sit down with David Burnfield, author of Patristic Universalism, and his wife Wendy, who shares about this ancient hope on Instagram. Together we explore the roots of universalism in the early church, what the Fathers taught about ultimate restoration, and why this conversation is far from new. We also talk about their own faith journeys, what led them to this work, and how the message has been received.Patristic Universalism Website  http://www.patristicuniversalism.com Instagram Patristic & Biblical Universalism Fellowship | Facebook

In this episode of The Friary, Brother Jay welcomes D. T. Bryant, priest at St. Mary of Bethany Parish, spiritual director at The Center for Hope and Healing in Nashville, and co-founder of the Black Mental Health Counselor Reparations Foundation. He is also the author of Unless a Seed Falls to the Ground: Welcoming the Death of the Whiteness Gospel.Together they explore Danny’s upbringing, the experiences that shaped his faith, and the journey that led him to confront what he calls the “whiteness gospel.” With honesty and hope, Danny shares why certain patterns must die for the church to be reborn into Christ’s true life, and how the image of a seed falling into the ground speaks to both death and resurrection. This is a conversation about faith, justice, and healing that invites us all into deeper transformation.Links:Unless a Seed Falls to the Ground: Welcoming the Death of the Whiteness GospelSpacious Living Spiritual DirectionBlessed Uncertainty

Join your ever-curious Franciscan brother Br. Jay in The Friary as we dig into the radical gift of staying rooted in a world obsessed with moving on. We’re here with Rev. Lydia Sohn, author of Here: A Spirituality of Staying in a Culture of Leaving, exploring why true freedom might just come from putting down roots, not packing your bags.Expect an honest, faith-filled conversation about restlessness, vows, Benedictine stability, and how God shows up most profoundly—right where you are. Plus, a few laugh-out-loud rapid-fire moments and a reflective chant to ground your soul.Connect with Rev. Lydia:Instagram: @lydia_sohnWebsite: Visit her at revlydia.com to find her blog, workbooks, ministry and moreTune in for depth, delight, and the dare to stay.

Sometimes resting feels guilty, revolutionary, or just plain impossible. In this episode of The Friary, Br. Jay shares personal stories of obsessive faith, walks, and naps that became acts of holy resistance. Along the way, we meet saints who mastered the art of stillness, hear scripture that cheers us on to pause, and learn how taking five minutes (or a nap) can actually be radical. Warning: you may feel inspired to lie down mid-episode.

Two Franciscans from the Order of Saint Francis join me to talk vocation, discernment, and Saint Francis himself—with lighthearted moments that remind us holiness doesn’t have to be too serious.Brother Andrew, OSF, lives in New York City with his husband. He is a Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of New York, serving at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery. With the Archdeacon of the Diocese, he co-founded Ecclesia in the Bowery, a street ministry that gathers every Sunday afternoon to welcome the homeless and all who might feel unwelcome in traditional church spaces. The ministry invites neighborhood congregations to share in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the offering of bag lunches in community.Br. Andrew also serves as liturgist for St. Ann’s Church for the Deaf, the oldest Deaf congregation in the United States, where he interprets and translates Scripture into American Sign Language (ASL) for weekly worship.He serves the Order as Vocations Director, accompanying those in the initial stages of discernment and formation. During the week, he works as Parish Administrator at the Church of the Ascension in Manhattan.Brother Sam attends Christ Church Cathedral in Downtown St Louis, Missouri. He is a Life Professed Brother of the Order of Saint Francis and has been in the Order for nine years. He serves on the Companion Diocese Committee between the Diocese of Missouri and the Diocese of Puerto Rico. He serves as an Acolyte and a Eucharistic Minister. Brother Sam serves on the Communications Committee and handles the Cathedral and the Order of St Francis Facebook page. He has a personal ministry called, “Coffee with a Friar,” where he sets up about twice a month at different coffee houses in St Louis and buys people coffee and just listens to their stories.

Justin Telthorst joins The Friary to talk faith, sexuality, and what it means to love a Church that often doesn’t know what to do with you. A gay Catholic and former missionary, Justin founded Empty Chairs to create space for LGBTQ+ Catholics to stay rooted without compromising their dignity. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, we explore spiritual resilience, why he hasn’t left the Church, and how healing begins when we make room for every soul at the table.Website: Empty Chairs - https://www.empty-chairs.org/Instagram: @emptychairshomeKeywords: LGBTQ Catholic, faith and sexuality, inclusion, Church change, Empty Chairs, Franciscan spirituality, spiritual belonging, Justin Telthorst, pastoral care

Can you stay rooted in a faith tradition even when you disagree with some of its teachings? What does it mean to follow your conscience and still be faithful?In this episode, Brother Jay talks with Salina Bear: a Catholic feminist, lay theologian, and content creator about the complex and often misunderstood role of conscience in the life of faith. Together, they explore what it means to honor tradition without surrendering the call to think, question, and grow.From Salina’s own journey into Catholicism to her bold engagement with feminist theology and moral discernment, this conversation invites listeners into a deeper reflection on belonging, obedience, and the spiritual life beyond fear.Whether you're Catholic, curious, conflicted, or somewhere in between, this episode offers space to wrestle with your own questions—and maybe even make peace with them.About our guest: Salina Bear is a Catholic feminist, lay theologian, and content creator whose work centers on passionate exploration of Catholic tradition. She writes at the intersection of contemplative faith, feminist theology, and creative living, with a particular commitment to combining love of tradition with critical thinking. With bold honesty and deep inquisitiveness, Salina gently invites fellow believers out of fear and into spiritual formation. When she’s not reading papal documents, she’s probably rearranging her furniture, sipping an iced coffee, playing Baldur’s Gate 3, or getting lost in a very large fantasy novel. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their cat, Blue. Find her on TikTok @salina.bear and on Substack @salinabear.

What if Jesus was never meant to be trapped in dogma or confined to Sunday mornings? In this episode, author and mystic Keith Giles joins us to talk about his journey from evangelical pastor to spiritual freedom-seeker. We explore the process of deconstruction, the Cosmic Christ, and the hidden gospels—Thomas, Mary, and Truth—that open doors to a deeper, non-dual vision of faith. Whether you're spiritual but not religious, rethinking Christianity, or longing for a more open-hearted path, this conversation invites you to rediscover Jesus beyond the walls.Keith Giles is the best-selling author of the 7-part "Jesus Un" book series series. He has been interviewed on CNN with Anderson Cooper, Coast to Coast Radio with George Noory, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and John Fugelsang’s “Tell Me Everything." He co-hosts The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast and his solo podcast, Second Cup With Keith which are both available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Podbean or wherever you find great podcasts. His latest books, "The Quantum Sayings of Jesus: Decoding the Lost Gospel of Thomas" and "The Quantum Gospel of Mary and the Lost Gospel of Truth" are both currently on Amazon's Best-Sellers list in multiple categories. He blogs at TheQuollective.com and www.KeithGiles.com. Keywords: Jesus Unbound, Keith Giles, deconstruction, Cosmic Christ, non-dual Christianity, Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Mary, leaving church, mystical Christianity, spiritual but not religious

In this episode, Br. Jay talks with author and contemplative Carl McColman about his winding spiritual journey, from Lutheran roots and pagan circles to his Roman Catholicism with Buddhist insights and becoming a lay Cistercian.They explore the meaning of mysticism, the value of interfaith wisdom, the tension between institutions and inner experience, and the healing power of silence and story. Carl also shares insights from his newest book, Read the Bible Like a Mystic, and opens up about his evolving reflections on gender and spirituality.If you’ve ever felt both at home and at odds with religion, or if you’re curious about the contemplative path, this conversation offers depth, warmth, and a gentle invitation to the mystery.About our Guest: Carl McColman a spiritual director, author, retreat leader, and speaker on mystical spirituality and contemplative living. His books include Read the Bible Like a Mystic, The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Eternal Heart, and Unteachable Lessons. He is one of the co-hosts of the Encountering Silence podcast, and maintains a Substack newsletter (www.anamchara.net) and a blog (www.anamchara.com). Carl’s approach to contemplation and mysticism is joyful, inclusive and expansive; with a dedication to exploring the common ground between faith traditions, with a particular interest in the connecting points between Christian, Buddhist and Pagan wisdom. Carl lives with his wife, artist Fran McColman, in Clarkston, Georgia, near Atlanta.  

In this four-parts in one episode of The Friary, Br. Jay opens up about his unexpected return to Christianity, being an Anglo-Catholic, a Franciscan-in-formation, and yes, still very much himself. From a letter to his closeted, anxious teenage self to the beauty of an ecumenical Pride service, from saints who played practical jokes to a week of both Eucharist and tater tots, this one’s for the spiritual misfits, the holy messes, and everyone trying to follow Jesus with both heart and humor.Bring your doubts, your sass, and your secondhand cassock. You’re welcome here.

Was Jesus gentle or fierce? The answer might depend on who was standing in front of him. In this 3-minute reflection, we look at how Jesus responded to the hurting—and to the proud.

In this first episode under our new name, The Friary, Br. Jay shares the story behind the change and the quiet shift that’s been happening in my life and soul. Then he offers a spoken word reflection on awe, wonder, and the God who shows up in grocery lines, golden skies, and steaming cups of tea. Come on in, there’s space for you here.

What if church had no walls and the sermon came from the wind in the trees? In this episode of Neon Alchemist, Brother Jay sits down with author and eco-theologian Victoria Loorz, author of Church of the Wild and Field Guide to Church of the Wild, to talk wild churches, sacred conversations with nature, and why John 1 might not be about “the Word” but about a divine conversation echoing through creation. Bring your hiking boots or at least your imagination. Book: Church of the WildBook: Field Guide to Church of the WildWebsite: Wild Church Network Website: Center for Wild Spirituality

What if following Jesus didn’t mean signing up for a religion, but learning a way of living, rooted in compassion, simplicity, and deep connection with others and the earth? In this episode, we explore the radical love Jesus showed to outsiders and misfits, how he resisted judgment and embraced mercy, and the quiet spirituality he practiced in nature. It’s an invitation to return to what’s real, not dogma, but presence.

What if God isn’t a one-way message, but a Conversation that never stopped?In this episode of Neon Alchemist, we explore the ancient Greek word Logos from John 1 and how it might mean more than just “Word.” Could it mean Conversation? And what does that change about prayer, creation, and the Christ who walked among us?Join us for a mystical deep dive that blends biblical Greek, Richard Rohr’s Universal Christ, the mystics, and a few jokes about squirrels and sacred side-eyes.Whether you're spiritually curious, mystically inclined, or just love a good theological twist, this episode invites you into the divine dialogue already unfolding around you.

Is it possible that God is showing up... where you least expect it?In this gentle and slightly mischievous episode of Neon Alchemist, Brother Jay takes us on a contemplative stroll through sidewalk violets, kitchen sinks, cab rides, and even a Taco Bell — yes, really — to explore the idea that the whole world might be sacramental.Rooted in the earthy spirituality of St. Francis, the poetry of Mary Oliver, and a good dash of holy humor, this episode invites you to notice the sacred in the overlooked and ordinary. Along the way, you'll hear short stories of surprise encounters with grace, reflections on what a sacrament really is, and a reminder that sometimes God doesn't kick the door down... sometimes God just quietly rises through the cracks.If you've ever felt a flicker of holiness in a weedy garden, a hospital hallway, or a spoonful of lentils, this one's for you.

In this tender reflection, Brother Jay shares his quiet return to the Christian path through sacred rhythms, the Daily Office, and the healing mystery of the Eucharist. For anyone who has wandered, wondered, or felt too far from faith, this episode offers a gentle invitation to come home—not with certainty, but with peace. You were never lost. The table was always set. And you are already welcome.

What if the wilderness isn’t punishment, but invitation? In this episode, we wander through the spiritual landscapes of uncertainty, doubt, and dryness—those seasons when the old compass stops working and the path disappears beneath our feet. Drawing from Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, the wisdom of mystics, and our own very human struggles, we ask: What happens when we stop trying to get somewhere and just let the wilderness do its work?This is for anyone who's feeling spiritually stuck, tired, or in-between. There’s wisdom here, in the sand and silence. You’re not lost—you’re being reshaped.Follow Us!

This episode explores what happens after spiritual deconstruction—when the dust settles and the work of rebuilding begins. With warmth, wit, and honesty, it reflects on how faith can be reclaimed, reimagined, and reconstructed without shame or fear. For anyone navigating a new spiritual path or finding beauty in old truths with fresh eyes, this episode offers insight and encouragement.

What does it mean to follow Jesus in a Sufi way? In this episode of Neon Alchemist, I sit down with poet and beekeeper Chris Isa Muscat, whose journey is shaped by the mystical heart of God. We explore his spiritual path, the wisdom of Sufi and Christian mystics, and how love and longing fuel the search for the Divine. Tune in for a deep, soulful, and poetic conversation.

In this episode the Neon Alchemist interviews Luke Bricker, a former pastor who grew up in evangelical mega-churches. Bricker recounts his journey of deconstructing his inherited faith. He discusses his early beliefs, teenage rebellion, and the experiences that led him to a different understanding of Christianity and spirituality. The conversation explores his transition from traditional evangelicalism to a more interspiritual perspective, touching on topics like his views on Jesus, spiritual practices like meditation, and his current work in spiritual direction. Bricker also shares insights on navigating deconstruction, including its impact on relationships and community. Bricker is currently a minister of the Current Collective which can be found at https://thisiscurrent.org

What exactly is a spiritual coach, and how does coaching help people navigate life’s toughest challenges? In this episode, Neon Alchemist sits down with Tamisha Arrendell, a spiritual coach specializing in working with men and relationship dynamics. From breaking unhealthy patterns to finding deeper connection and purpose, we explore how spiritual and life coaching works, why it’s not just therapy with incense, and how real transformation happens when people are ready to do the inner work. Insightful, engaging, and maybe a little uncomfortable (in the best way)—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

An Ash Wednesday service with a casket at the center sets the stage for this episode on Lent, mortality, and the unexpected pull back toward Christianity. Exploring the history and traditions of Lent with humor and honesty, this episode dives into the struggle of returning to faith after past wounds—why it’s terrifying, why it’s compelling, and why the smells, bells, and Jesus himself just won’t let go. A mix of deep reflection and lighthearted storytelling, this is Lent like you’ve never heard it before.

n this episode of Neon Alchemist, Pax dives into the powerful role of intention in creating the life you desire. Learn how setting clear, heart-centered intentions can guide your spiritual journey, enhance your personal growth, and align your daily actions with your deepest desires. Whether you're looking to manifest your goals, deepen your spiritual practice, or simply live with more purpose, this episode provides the tools and insights you need to make it happen. Tune in and start aligning with your highest self today!

Ever wondered if spirits are watching your every move? In this revealing conversation with Medium Stephen Patrick, we dive into the world of spirit guides, psychic experiences, and the unseen forces around us. Get ready for a mix of insight and humor as we explore questions about the afterlife, intuition, and whether spirits really have an eye on our most private moments. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on the supernatural, connecting with the spirit world, and finding guidance from beyond. Don’t miss out—your guides are listening!

Ready to hop between worlds? In this mind-expanding episode with Avi Lago, we explore the fascinating intersections of Ayurveda, Theosophy, and the bold practice of spiritual paradigm jumping.Learn how these ancient systems of wisdom can help you break free from old belief structures and jump into new, transformative spiritual realities. From healing practices rooted in Ayurveda to the philosophy of Theosophy and beyond, we dive into a world of energetic shifts and mystical awakenings. If you're ready to challenge your worldview and expand your spiritual toolkit, this one's for you!

In this bonus episode, we immerse ourselves in the calming world of forest bathing with Kati Thompson, a certified forest therapy guide. Kati shares the transformative power of nature’s embrace, from reducing stress to finding clarity in the quiet of the woods. Join us as we explore how slowing down in the forest can help you reconnect with yourself and the earth, one breath at a time. Get ready to feel the peace of the trees in this nature-filled conversation!Follow Kati on Instagram at @Rejuvenature.earth or visit her webpage atrejuvenature.earth

The political landscape may feel like a never-ending roller coaster ride, but what if we could find peace in the chaos? In this episode, we dive into how to shift our perspective from spiraling out of control to embracing a grounded, spiritually-informed approach. We’ll talk about how Karma Yoga can guide us to act in alignment with our values, but without getting attached to the outcomes (spoiler: you can't control the election results, but you can control your peace!). Plus, we explore Mel Robbins’ “Just Let Them” strategy—because sometimes, the best thing you can do is let people be who they are, while you protect your sanity. And we wrap it up with Ram Dass' Loving Awareness, showing us how to stay calm and compassionate—even when the world feels like it's crumbling. Grab your heart, your breath, and maybe a cup of tea, because this episode is all about shifting gears—and letting go of that doom-scrolling addiction. Listen in and get ready to reclaim your peace, one breath at a time. #DivineInAll