Holding It Lightly

In this episode of Holding It Lightly, hosts Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into the messy, meaningful layers of generosity, not just as a virtue, but as a lens for living. From the parallels between improv and real human connection, to the tension between profit and purpose, they explore how generosity shows up (or doesn’t) in culture, politics, business, and daily life. Along the way, they dive into Enneagram insights, Richard Rohr, spiral dynamics, and the sobering realities of inequality in America. Can generosity truly make us richer? And what does it mean to live generously in a world that often isn’t?

In this episode, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into one of the most common phrases in Christianity “Jesus died for your sins” and ask: wait, what does that really mean? Whether you grew up in church, left it long ago, aren't sure what you believe (if anything), or are just curious about the stories we inherit and the ones we choose to keep, this is an open-hearted, often funny conversation about reframing old beliefs and finding meaning that actually fits.

What if ambition doesn't mean climbing the ladder, but carving your own path entirely? In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart unpack what it means to be ambitious, but through a different lens: less about chasing status, power, or money, and more about living with intention, curiosity, and heart.  If you’ve ever wondered what ambition could look like on your own terms or you just want to laugh along, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart get real about what happens when life knocks you down, and you're forced to make changes you didn't ask for. From job losses to heartbreak, they dive deep into how it feels when things don’t go according to plan, and how to move through it when you’re left picking up the pieces. They talk about the tough parts of transformation, especially when it feels like the universe is throwing a curveball just when you thought you had it all figured out. But rather than rushing to “fix it,” Lauren and Brad explore how giving yourself space, embracing discomfort, and allowing time to do its thing can actually lead to some of the most powerful shifts. They get into the importance of self-compassion, staying open to uncertainty, and the value of finding small, consistent actions to keep you grounded. This episode is all about navigating those messy, uncertain moments when life feels chaotic, but also about recognizing that this mess is where transformation happens. So if you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or just plain tired of change, this one’s for you.

Money: it’s something we all deal with, but how do we keep it from taking over? In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart explore our ever-changing relationship with money: how it intersects with social media, how it evolves through life, and why money itself isn’t good or bad - it’s all about how we approach it. Tune in for an honest, refreshing, and surprisingly funny conversation about a topic that’s on everyone’s mind, for better or worse.   Resources: The Huberman Lab Podcast: Morgan Housel: Understand & Apply the Psychology of Money to Gain Greater Happiness Naval Podcast: How to Get Rich

This week on Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into the fascinating and often misunderstood topic of spiritual materialism. What is it? How can we recognize when we’re slipping into the trap of surface-level spirituality? (Think: using mindfulness or healing as a status symbol instead of doing the inner work.) How can you tell when you’re falling into that trap? They break it down.

In this episode, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into a timely and thought-provoking conversation about the aftermath of Trump's victory in the election. How do we maintain our peace in the midst of the unease we will all experience in the next four years? We explore the tensions between liberals and conservatives, asking the question: Can we love our "enemies" and find the humanity in those who think differently from us? Let's discuss the importance of approaching those with different views with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to invite them into a new awareness, at a pace that can allow for real change over time. We talk about the power of compassion, the importance of listening, and how we can bridge divides by holding space for different perspectives while still staying true to our values. Join your favorite hosts, Lauren and Brad, as they discuss: "Now what"?

This week, Lauren n Brad dive into the question, "WTF is gratitude?" We see it on T-shirts, journals, and in every "live your best life" mantra, but what does it really mean? Is gratitude just another wellness trend, or is there something deeper behind the hype? In this episode, we unpack our mixed feelings about how gratitude is marketed today, explore the genuine purpose behind it, and ask: How can we actually live a life full of gratitude, and why does it matter? Join your favorite hosts, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart, as they discuss this nuanced topic. 

This week’s episode of Holding It Lightly dives into the concept of the sacred dance. Bear with us, as Lauren shares her experiences at Burning Man, hopefully adding value rather than inducing any eye rolls. The sacred dance is all about letting go and reconnecting with your life force, while the survival dance represents our daily routines and how we navigate life. Both are essential, but it’s in those moments of the sacred dance where we truly find and savor the love in life. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart as we explore how to embrace both dances and discover deeper meaning in our everyday experiences.

This week we dive deep into why the midlife crises is so often referenced but so poorly understood. We instead invite you to rethink this period as a profound opportunity to transform - a symbolic death of the old self to make way for the vibrant new life waiting to bloom.  This episode is particularly special to us, as many of our friends and listeners are navigating this challenging yet transformative phase of life. Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart share perspectives to help you see through the fog and discover the beauty that arises from surrendering to the process. Let’s uncover the potential for growth that lies within the midlife unraveling.

I once saw a meme that said "One day, you went out to play with your friends for the last time ever, and you had no idea."  Yeah, we aren't sure it needs to be that way either. In this episode, we look into Getting Younger As We Get Older, how a beginner's mindset can help put you in the right mindspace and heartspace for connection, calm, and wonder. We can move past that pesky literalism that holds us back from greater understanding and all the to-do lists that run our lives, and instead find joy in playfulness and letting go of all the things holding us back! C'mon, let's play like kids again! Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart are back to unpack being a kid again in this episode.

In this week's episode, Lauren and Brad are joined by the incredibly talented Patrick McCartney, an actor, improviser, and seasoned Second City performer. Patrick opens up about his journey as a recovering alcoholic, sharing profound insights on spirituality, God, and the transformative power of the 12-step program. We wanted to talk to Patrick about how we can reclaim God and spirit from the Christian fascists, exploring how spirituality can be a source of personal empowerment rather than a tool of oppression. We delve into how these elements have shaped his recovery and personal growth, offering listeners a heartfelt exploration of faith, resilience, and the path to healing. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart once again as they dive in with Patrick. 

It's opposites week on Holding It Lightly! Last week, Lauren and Brad dove into the art of rest, relaxation, and embracing laziness. This week, they're flipping the script and exploring how to tap into focused energy and find your flow. Join them as they discuss how to channel your energy to plant the seeds for the life you want to grow while also holding it all lightly. Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart will talk about the balance between being active and restful, the importance of both pushing forward and taking a step back, and how to invest your energy in what truly matters without burning out. They remind us that just like the moon isn't full every day, we shouldn't expect ourselves to be at full force all the time. Tune in if you also want to find both rest and action in your life and the balance between the two. 

This week on Holding It Lightly, Lauren and Brad explore the vital case for embracing laziness, relaxation, and the simple act of sitting. Life demands a balance between planning, setting goals, and taking ownership of our experiences. Yet, the most profound moments often arise when we sit peacefully, free from the need to grasp for more. In our culture of constant ascension, where the pursuit of more power, money, and value dominates, we lose sight of the essential art of relaxation. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart as they discuss why our society struggles with teaching us to relax and how shifting our focus from relentless productivity to moments of stillness can lead to a more fulfilling life. Discover why learning to sit and unwind is not just a luxury but the essential work of living well.

Join Lauren and Brad as they make the case for laziness - sort of....this week explores the art of embracing life's flow and essence while moving beyond a fixation on outcomes. They delve into the concept of creating art for the sheer joy of being and self-expression, emphasizing the value of this pure approach over a results-driven mindset. In this episode, we also discuss the merits of embracing laziness and question the pervasive nature of hustle culture, highlighting its disregard for the essence of humanity. We delve into thought-provoking questions surrounding purpose: What does purpose entail? How can one uncover their purpose? And most importantly, how does one separate purpose from the notion of financial gain and time monetization. Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart take you on a deep dive into this thought-provoking topic of purpose.    References: Oliver Burkeman: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals Richard Rohr: The Naked Now: Learning To See As the Mystics See  

Join Brad and Lauren on this week's episode of "Holding It Lightly" as they explore the profound themes of deconstruction and reconstruction in personal belief systems. They delve into the challenging process of stepping away from the familiar structures of religion, community, and faith, unraveling and examining each facet along the way. Both hosts candidly share their journeys of deconstructing traditional notions of faith and spirituality, reflecting on the complexities and revelations that arise from questioning deeply held beliefs. Listen in as Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart discuss the transformative process of reconstruction and what it entails to rebuild a spiritual path that is rooted in love, openness, kindness, and a vibrant connection to life and spirit.

Love is on the brain this week! Tune in to this week's episode of where Lauren and Brad explore the profound topic of love. Together they delve into questions like "What is love?" and "How do we obtain it?" guided by the wisdom found in Bell Hooks' book "All About Love." Listen to them examine why society has often presented us with a skewed definition of love and how we can cultivate a more mature perspective to construct a life abundant with love. Join your favorite hosts, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart, as they discuss love.

Join Lauren and Brad for this week's episode of Holding It Lightly as we explore the fascinating realm of Enneagram instincts. They say that while a thought moves at the speed of x, an emotion moves at 10x, and your instinct races at 100x. In this episode, we delve into the three primal instincts that drive us from the depths of our gut: Self-preservation, Sexual, and Social. Tune in to join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to discover what might be fueling your actions, and how you can transcend these instincts to lead a more conscious and fulfilling life.

Tune in to this week's episode of Holding It Lightly, where Brad and Lauren explore the powerful themes of faith and self-trust. Join us as we delve into how to cultivate genuine faith in ourselves and in the universe—not the cliché wooden home decor sign kind of faith, but a deep and authentic trust in the natural flow of life. Tune in with Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to discover how faith serves as the antidote to feelings of inadequacy and learn practical ways we are both trying to have more faith in our own lives

Welcome to this week's episode of Holding It Lightly! Join hosts Lauren and Brad as they dive deep into the world of healing and self-discovery with special guest Lyssa Mandel. Lyssa, an incredible somatic healer and astrology guru, joins the conversation to shed light on the intricacies of our bodies and share invaluable insights on the path to healing. In this enlightening episode, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart explore Lyssa's personal growth journey, delve into the fascinating realm of the enneagram (because, obviously), and discuss strategies for healing ourselves and the world around us. Whether you're seeking guidance on understanding your body's signals, exploring avenues for personal growth, or simply looking for some soul-nourishing conversation, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in this week and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing with Holding It Lightly!

Welcome to Holding It Lightly! This week, we're thrilled to introduce our very first guest, Florence Friebe. Florence wears many hats as an improviser, healer, and spiritual seeker, too. Join us as Florence shares her journey of confronting mortality head-on and experiencing a powerful rebirth through plant medicine. In this episode, Lauren Douglass, Brad Stuart, and Florence Friebe delve into themes of love, spirituality, and Florence's upbringing in an evangelical environment. She opens up about her process of deconstructing and reconstructing her spiritual beliefs to align with her present self. Expect a delightful blend of light-hearted banter and deep, thought-provoking conversation as we explore the intricacies of life, death, and personal transformation. Tune in for a captivating discussion - one that's both fun and profound. Don't forget to hold it lightly!

Join hosts Lauren and Brad as they fearlessly dive into one of the most provocative concepts: hell. In this episode of Holding It Lightly, they embark on a thought-provoking journey to unravel the layers of meaning behind this age-old notion. Delving into the origins of the concept, they examine its historical roots and how it has evolved over time. From its early religious significance to its present-day connotations, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart explore why the idea of hell remains a trigger word for so many. They investigate how our current understanding of hell has been shaped by cultural, religious, and literary influences, challenging listeners to consider alternative perspectives. Through engaging discussions and insightful analysis, Holding It Lightly offers a nuanced exploration of what hell represents to different individuals and societies. Tune in as Lauren and Brad navigate this complex topic with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to hold it lightly. Subscribe now to Holding It Lightly on Apple Podcasts and never miss an episode!

Even more enough! Tune in to this week's episode of "Holding It Lightly" as hosts Lauren and Brad dive into insightful discussions sparked by the second episode of "Enoughness." Delve into the complexities of dating and the pursuit of feeling "enough" even when seeking a partner with differing desires. Explore the theme of travel and the profound realization that wherever you go, there you are. Uncover the roots of feeling inadequate, whether from societal pressures or childhood experiences, and discover how trust serves as a potent antidote to these sentiments. The conversation extends to financial "enoughness," exploring topics like overspending, debt, and the perpetual cycle of feeling insufficient. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking exploration of the human experience with Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart.

Join us as we explore why society constantly bombards us with messages that we're not enough, and how these beliefs shape our lives. In this week's episode, Brad and Lauren take a deep dive into the pervasive feelings of inadequacy that plague so many of us. We turn the spotlight on the root causes of our collective struggle with self-worth. From societal standards to the influence of social media, we dissect the factors contributing to our feelings of insufficiency. Through candid anecdotes and thoughtful analysis, we uncover strategies for cultivating self-acceptance and finding peace in our imperfections. Tune in this week with Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart as we hold it lightly and embark on a journey towards embracing our worthiness in a world that often tells us otherwise.

In this Enneagram part two episode, we talk through enneagram numbers 6, 7, and 8. Join us as we navigate the unique traits and tendencies of the Enneagram types, discussing how individuals belonging to these numbers can embark on a journey towards healthier living. Through embracing acceptance and self-awareness, we explore how individuals can come to realize their intrinsic worth and sufficiency. Whether you're familiar with the Enneagram or just beginning to explore its intricacies, this episode offers valuable insights into understanding yourself and others better. Tune in as we uncover the paths to personal growth and fulfillment for types 6, 7, and 8. Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover more about yourself and your Enneagram type. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to unpack more in this week's episode.   Resources: Enneagram Test that I reco: The Enneagram Personality Test Enneagram books: Beatrice Chestnut & Uranio Paes: The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up: Find Your Path, Face Your Shadow, Discover Your True Self  

The Enneagram can be one of the most difficult and transformative things you’ll ever learn about yourself……..so let’s at least have a fun time with it, right?! In this episode, Lauren guides us through her introductory course, tapping into the wisdom of Beatrice Chestnut, Richard Rohr, and Andreas Ebert among others, while keeping it lighthearted and fun. Come explore all the things that are preventing you from being your best self and share real “aha!” moments with us as we figure out what your most difficult and rewarding assignment in this life will be. We are workin’ 9-5 here, as we cover the Enneagram types 9, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in this first episode. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to unpack how the Enneagram has completely changed their lives. This is the best way to kick off your own Enneagram journey!   Resources: The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up: Find Your Path, Face Your Shadow, Discover Your True Self The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge  

In Episode 4, Lauren and Brad dive into the liberating concept of Holy Goallessness. In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between goal attainment and spirituality, advocating for nonattachment, finding flow, and the joy of living life without fixating on outcomes.  We delve into the challenging conversation of setting boundaries with family, acknowledging that this journey is and must be a solo pilgrimage. We reflect on how Christianity has been weaponized to exclude rather than embrace, and reexamine the Prodigal Son story as Jesus intended—a punk rock tale of redemption. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart in another thought-provoking episode.  Resources: Falling Upward, Revised and Updated Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers

Lauren & Brad explore continue our journey and wrap up our overview of Spiral Dynamics and why we are being called to change our minds. If you heard part 1 and want to know more about advanced levels of Spiral Dynamics (Yellow to Turquoise), tune in! Is it long and rambling? Always! But will you learn something new about the pathway to transformation? Yes! Tune in with Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to shine a light on the path to healing and transformation. Because no matter how dark the journey may seem, there's always a way to hold it lightly and find your way back. Resources: Ken Wilber, No Boundary: Eastern and Western Approaches to Personal Growth Rob Bell: Me, We, Everybody Leo Gura: Leo Gura Explains Spiral Dynamics  

Welcome back to Holding It Lightly with your hosts, Lauren and Brad! Today, we're excited to delve deeper into the captivating world of Spiral Dynamics in part 2 of our exploration. We are also tackling why we think manifestation culture can put you on the wrong path, and that deeper love relationships can exist when you let go of the things you want and sit with the beauty of what you have and what you can give.  Join your hosts, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart, as we journey through the intricate layers of human development and consciousness, uncovering insights that shed light on our quest for joy and fulfillment. But that's not all – in this episode, we also delve into the intriguing dynamics of dating, mating, and relationships. From exploring the subject/subject and subject/object perspectives to discussing the balance of light and dark, good and bad within relationships, we offer thought-provoking insights and practical advice for cultivating healthier and more fulfilling connections.   Resources:  Bell Hooks: All About Love: New Visions Martin Buber: I and Thou Richard Rohr: Knowing with Our Whole Being  

Why should you listen to Holding It Lightly? This trailer explains who we are and what we will talk about that will hopefully help us all keep walking each other home. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart on an exciting new podcast adventure packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of ‘aha!’ moments!

Join hosts Brad Stuart and Lauren Douglass as they embark on a journey to explore the second half of life with curiosity, compassion, and humor. In their debut episode, Brad and Lauren share their motivations for starting the podcast and delve into why they're tackling the sometimes murky waters of midlife. With many of their friends pondering life's deeper questions, they seek to navigate the existential terrain, discussing how to navigate the dark night of the soul and embrace a transformative approach to the latter part of life. Tune in to Holding It Lightly as they shed light on letting go of what no longer serves us and embracing the beauty of life's evolving chapters.