The Connected Way™ Podcast

Contact Rev Dev
For full show notes and resourcces, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-18

Episode 17: Reconnecting to the Divine Feminine - Shifting from Domination to Collaboration with Shiloh Sophia McCloud Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by artist, teacher, and spiritual seeker Shiloh Sophia McCloud, who shares her insights on the rise of (reconnection to) the Divine Feminine and how we can collectively transition from an Era of Domination to an Era of Collaboration.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 17 TO HEAR:

The Divine Feminine has been ever present in every culture and spiritual tradition.
How we are transitioning from a culture of domination and conquest to an era of collaboration, with a focus on mutual respect for all and the elements.
How intentional creativity serves as a spiritual path and an act of reclaiming personal and cultural narratives.
How essential it is to honor indigenous knowledge and take personal and political action toward reparations and restorative justice.
How you can move toward collaboration, including calling community circles and engaging in service-driven activism.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Curate Shiloh Sophia is the Matriarchal Leader of the MUSEA Community. She is a spiritual teacher, artist and author centering the healing arts as a Path of Practice. For 30 years she has guided tens of thousands of women in accessing self-expression to awaken embodied consciousness and ecstatic discipline; so that we can create the loving world we live for. She guides revolutionary ceremonies designed to offer recovery from systemic oppression into liberation, belonging and celebration. The vision of nurturing the soul through art and education is rooted in the studies of archeomythology and the community visions for the future. The community has developed a new spiritual discipline for seekers with creativity as the core form of devotion and the gateway to spiritual access. Her body of work, 'The Teachings of Intentional Creativity' arises from a lineage that has been passed from hand to hand for three generations.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Shiloh Sophia at www.musea.org

View Shiloh Sophia McCloud’s artwork: www.shilohsophiagallery.com

Creation Timeline from Shiloh Sophia including the evolution from the Era of Domination to Era of Collaboration

She is Many - a breakdown of how the Divine Feminine shows up all around us
Free Manifestation Re-imagined 1-hour workshop with Shiloh Sophia

Subscribe to Shiloh Sophia’s Substack Tea with the Muse

Follow Shiloh Sophia on IG @shilohsophia

Good Relations Pledge

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Contact Rev Dev
For full show notes and resourcces, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-17

Episode 16: The Rise & Reality of Christian Nationalism with Katherine Stewart Oct 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Katherine Stewart, an investigative journalist and author, to better understand the rise of Christian Nationalism and its impact on the country.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 16 TO HEAR:

Katherine’s experience with a Good News Club showing up in her children’s public school, which led her to investigate their attempt to influence children and blur the line between church and state.
How the Christian Nationalist movement is a political strategy aimed at using religious influence to gain power, including the pro-life movement, which was a political move.
How Christian Nationalism relies on a combination of fear-based messaging, authoritarian ideals, and anti-democratic principles to attract followers.
The role of money in Christian Nationalism - both in amassing wealth for leaders and huge donations.
How public awareness, education, and voter engagement are key to combating the rise of Christian Nationalism and preserving democratic values.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Katherine Stewart has covered politics, policy, and religion for over 15 years. Her forthcoming book, Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy (February 2025) has been praised by Congressman Jamie Raskin as “An indispensable citizen's guide to the anti-democratic MAGA Right in America.” Her last book, The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism, was voted first place for Excellence in Nonfiction Books by the Religion News Association and forms the basis of the documentary feature film God and Country, produced by Rob Reiner. She writes for The New York Times, New Republic, Religion News Service and others. And she also moderated a panel at the Democratic National Convention called “Building an Interfaith Coalition to Combat White Christian Nationalism”. You can find more about Katherine on her website and you can also follow her on Twitter @kathsstewart.

RESOURCES:
Katherine’s Book The Power Worshippers: Inside The Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism

God & Country Documentary information and links to many ways to watch (this is the documentary based on Katherine’s Book)

Katherine’s Book The Good News Club: The Christian Right’s Stealth Assault on American Children

BOOK: How the Republican Party became Pro-Life by Phyllis Schlafly(Katherine mentions this book in the podcast - understanding how the pro-life movement was a political strategy, not a moral imperative)

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

A Plethora of Tools from Craig

Episode 15: How & Why to Connect Across the Aisle with Craig Freshley Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Craig Freshley to chat about the art of connecting with people we disagree with, especially within the context of challenging political conversations.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 15 TO HEAR:

The importance of redefining success: focus on what you can accomplish for yourself, and also Connect, not correct.
Craig recommends you “speak for yourself,” and using “I” statements to foster respectful dialogue and prevent the other person from feeling attacked.
The role of curiosity and compassion in bridging divides, and why you should approach difficult conversations with a genuine desire to understand, not to judge.
The challenge of having different facts or truths in a conversation, and techniques for understanding how each person arrived at their belief, or their truth.
Why it’s important to build foundational common ground before diving into difficult topics, such as shared experiences, mutual values, or even hobbies.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Craig Freshley is a professional meeting facilitator, speaker, and author with an inspiring attitude and a well-earned reputation for helping groups be efficient, harmonious, and productive.

You can learn more about Craig and his work at www.GoodGroupDecisions.com.
RESOURCES:

Make Shift Coffee Houses
LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Follow Rev Dev on Instagram
Follow Rev Dev on Facebook
Follow Rev Dev on TikTok
Sign up for the newsletter
Donate on venmo to support the podcast
Donate on paypal to support the podcast
Contact Rev Dev

Contact Rev Dev
For full show notes and resourcces, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-15

Episode 14: Connecting Across the Aisle - a Partisan Conversation Sep 29, 2024

Show notes

I’m not just suggesting you have conversations to connect with people you love who don’t agree with you. I’m doing it too, and in this episode, I bring you into one of those conversations, with my uncle Don. This is our first time truly discussing our political views together, and it wasn’t easy, but it was important.

IN OUR CONVERSATION, WE COVER:

Who we’re voting for and why
The economy and inflation
Climate change and energy policies
Renewable Energy vs. Oil and Gas
Guns, Gun Reform and Police in Schools
Immigration, Drugs and Borders
Abortion, Trans Rights, Same-sex Marriage
And more…

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Episode 13: A Mid-Season Check-in with Rev Dev Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

It's been 5 weeks since the podcast launched and we have just under 6 weeks until the election. So, we’re 12 Episodes in and there are 12 more to come before the election, so it felt right to do a bit of check in...

Tune in to hear:

Highlights and key takeaways from the first 12 Episodes of the podcast.
What you can definitely expect and also hopefully expect from the rest of the “season” until the election.
Some of what it's been like creating the podcast.

What it means that I was “called” to do this podcast.
I genuinely want to know what you think and what your key takeaways have been. Please comment below or DM. And if you don't want to share, please comment with an emoji if you've been listening. 💞

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Episode 12: Deconstructing Patriarchy, Reclaiming Self-Agency & Trust with Rev. Karla Kamstra Sep 22, 2024

Show notes

How does patriarchy shape our society, in religion and beyond? Why are some people (especially white women) voting against their own interests? How does the rise of Christian evangelism and nationalism affect women and marginalized groups in particular?

In this episode, I connect with guest Rev. Karla Kamstra, an ordained interfaith minister, spiritual mentor, and badass TikTok Mama Bear.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 12 TO HEAR:

Rev. Karla’s personal journey going from super religious (Southern Baptist) to spiritual but not religious and eventually an Interfaith minister.
How living in a White, Male, Christian dominant society impacts all women and marginalized groups.
How patriarchy suppresses self-agency/self-trust, critical thinking and breeds spiritual bypassing and religious trauma.
How white christian women are both the some of the most impacted but also the most dangerous within a patriarchal system (they perpetuate it).
How it is not masculinity but toxic masculinity that creates patriarchy. The path forward is living in balance with divine feminine and divine masculine.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Rev Karla is a deconstructed Southern Baptist, an ordained interfaith minister and a spiritual mentor, helping those who are deconstructing find healing and spiritual clarity. Her first book "Deconstructing: Leaving Church, Finding Faith" will be out in October. She has a huge following online with over 700,000 followers on TikTok @revkarla and she also has a Facebook group called Rev Karla’s Inner Circle. Rev Karla’s content is a call for all seeking clarity beyond religious confines. She explores topics from deconstructing Christianity, healing religious trauma, the spiritual-but-not-religious path, and the dangers of Christian nationalism. She is breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.

RESOURCES:

Follow Rev Karla on TikTok @revkarla

Follow Rev Karla on Instagram @revkarla

Join Rev Karla’s Inner Circle on Facebook

Rev Karla’s Spiritual Resource Guides

Rev. Karla’s Video Playlist of Q&A Live Streams

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Donate to Max Impact Races on Oath.Vote

Episode 11: Donating - Impact, Transparency & Connection with Brian Derrick Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

Every time I get a request for a donation, I wonder “where is it going?” and “why do you need money?” which I have specifically wondered about presidential races. I finally found someone who could answer my questions AND give me ways to give more strategically and have more impact with my donations. In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Brian Derrick, founder of Oath, a platform that is using tech and real-time data science to revolutionize political donations and civic engagement. It feels like such a win to even have him join us - he answers my questions and, and we also talk about the importance of strategic donations in elections and how Oath helps everyday donors make the biggest impact with their contributions.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 11 TO HEAR:

Why you’re being inundated with donation requests right now.
How political fundraising and finances really work. And some of the aggressive marketing tactics used to push donors (which can be quite disconnective) including the sense of urgency/deadlines.
Why grassroots donors have a major influence on local and down-ballot races, which are often overlooked. Your money (even $5) does make an impact and there are ways to make it have MORE impact. (@oath.vote helps A LOT). Grassroots donors can especially have a major influence on local and down-ballot races, which are often overlooked.
The influence of Super PACs and billionaire donations on elections.
Why fundraising is important as a tool for impact and influence, but why how the system is broken and why campaign finance reform is absolutely necessary.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Brian Derrick is a political strategist, activist, and tech entrepreneur who is revolutionizing civic engagement through his groundbreaking company, Oath (www.oath.vote). As Founder and CEO, Derrick created Oath, a political fundraising platform that's redefining how people engage with elections, with over $25 million directed to high impact races in 2024. You can donate and find out more at oath.vote and you can find Brian on instagram @brianderrick_ and Oath @oath.vote and Brian also co-hosts the podcast Vibes Only which provides political insight and commentary.

RESOURCES:

Donate at www.oath.vote

Donate to Top Issues you Connect with

Follow Brian Derrick on Instagram @brianderrick_

Follow Oath on Instagram @oath.vote

Vibes Only Podcast

Movement Voter Project

Campaign Finance Breakdown on Wikipedia

A Basic Breakdown of PACs

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Follow Brian on Instagram @berecker

Episode 10: What would Jesus do? Deconstructing Christianity & Politics with Brian Recker Sep 15, 2024

Show notes

How are so many Christians in this country voting Republican? How would Jesus vote and what did he really teach? When we remove the fear-tactics of the threat of Hell, what were the actual teachings of Jesus and how can we learn from them?

In this episode, we connect with Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has been deconstructing his own faith and understanding of Christianity (his departure was catalyzed by Donald Trump’s rise in politics). We discuss Heaven, Hell, Sin, Abortion, Taxes, Trans rights, Healthcare and lots in between. And Brian and I connect on the essential threads of Jesus’s teachings based in acceptance, love, care for the marginalized, and interconnection.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 10 TO HEAR:

The true teachings of Jesus are about peace, love, acceptance and equality.
What if there wasn’t fear of going to “hell,” and what if it doesn’t exist?
How political tactics of some Churches can impact people’s faith and values.
How some Christians are so focused on their own “kingdoms” of individualism.
What Jesus might think about taxes, trans rights, abortion, and beyond.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Brian Recker is a former evangelical pastor who now offers pastoral reflections on deconstruction, toxic theology, and reclaiming a healthy spirituality. In addition to his regular posts on social media, he has a substack where he writes regular meditations, and his book HELLBENT is coming out in 2025 with TarcherPerigee. You can learn more about Brian on his website www.brianrecker.com where you can sign up for his substack, and follow him on Instagram @berecker. He also has a podcast called Sacred Counsel.

RESOURCES:

Sacred Counsel Podcast

BOOK: "scripture, ethics, and the possibility of same sex relationships" by Karen Keen

The Bible for Normal People Podcast

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Learn more about Rabbi Salem Pearce

Episode 9: Ceasefire in Gaza from a Jewish Rabbi's Perspective with Rabbi Salem Pearce Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

In the second part of this two-part series, Rabbi Salem Pierce and I continue our discussion, focused on the emotional and complex realities of the Israeli-Palestine conflict.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 9 TO HEAR:

Rabbi Salem shares her personal experience and what she’s witnessed in Israel
She shares insights about the impacts of generational trauma felt by both Jewish and Palestinian communities and the deep emotional impact of recent events.
We explore the call for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for diplomacy as the only viable path forward amidst ongoing violence.
We discuss the moral tension between supporting the State of Israel and advocating for equality and the recognition of all lives as equally valuable.
Rabbi Salem draws on Jewish teachings to highlight the importance of compassionate, open dialogue, even when confronting deeply polarizing issues.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Rabbi Salem Pearce is Director of Spirituality at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, serving communities all across the U.S. South as a "circuit-riding rabbi" from her home in Jackson, Miss., where she lives with her two cats. She was ordained by Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston in 2018 and has served as Director of Organizing at T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, in New York City, and Executive Director at Carolina Jews for Justice in Durham, N.C. Her rabbinate has involved justice work on a variety of issues: immigration, reproductive rights, workers rights, and Israel/Palestine. She is passionate about Torah, baseball, non-fiction, and travel. You can learn more about her at www.salempearce.com

RESOURCES:

breakdown of jewish denomination affiliation in 2020 - most recent I could find (9% orthodox)

Rabbis for Ceasefire

T’ruah - the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights

Gisha: Israeli not-for-profit organization, founded in 2005, whose goal is to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents.

B’Tselem: The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories

HIAS: Originally founded to assist Jews fleeing pogroms in Eastern Europe, today HIAS works around the world to assist displaced people of all backgrounds.

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW: