Podcast

Dealing with Fear, Anxiety, and Anger

Take On Faith – September 18, 2021

Dealing with fear, anxiety, and anger requires disciplined spirituality and commitment to your values. During the show, Rev. Xolani Kacela, host of Take On Faith, discusses some of the challenges churches faced and still face during the pandemic.

Rev. Xolani Kacela goes solo on this episode of Take On Faith.

Importantly, Kacela explores the struggles to build on-line community amid fear, anxiety, and anger. Kacela builds upon his Unitarian Universalist practice.

Also, he explores the spiritual practice called reconciliation. He attributes the practice to the African American mystic and spiritual teacher, Howard Thurman.

During this solo episode, Kacela shares an intimate story from his past about attempting reconciliation. He discusses the risks we encounter pursuing honest relationships in an era of great division.

Enjoy a very personal talk and discover ways for taking your spirituality to the next level.

Tune by clicking the link below.

Excerpt from Jumpstart Your Allyship on interrogating your feelings

In the episode, Rev. XK addresses the need to confront and interrogate your feelings. Here is an excerpt from his latest book, Jumpstart Your Allyship, which covers the topic in detail.

It is important to acknowledge and accept uncomfortable feelings, knowing that they represent something tangible in your experience. But, first, you need to determine what those feelings represent. Lean into them until you have answers. Once you nail down what caused your feelings, you can confront your history and move into your new self-image.

(This work may involve you beginning a relationship with a culturally competent mental health provider. Either way, you will need to confront your feelings and find a resolution to be an effective, reliable ally.)

Valerie Mason John aka Vimalasara

Take On Faith – September 11, 2021

Valerie Mason John, also known as Vimalasara, teaches Buddhism in the Triratna Buddhist tradition. They joined host Xolani Kacela from her home in Vancouver, British Columbia for this episode of Take On Faith.

Valerie Mason John is the award-winning author of 10 books, and the co-author and co-founder of Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teaching to Overcome Addiction.

Vimalasara shared many powerful life experiences. Those included: how they discovered Buddhism after years of life in foster care, on the streets, and in prison as a youth. Importantly, they found themselves surrounded by people who meditated. That sparked their curiosity about practicing meditation.

Valerie Mason John discussed their Buddhist practice and how it helped them adopt a new mindset to overcome “stinking thinking,” which they discussed on their 2013 TEDx Talk.

You can reach Vimalasara on their website: https://www.valeriemason-john.com/about/ or on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/valeriemasonjohn

From the guest’s website:

Dr. Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, M.A (hon.doc) is a public speaker and master trainer in the field of conflict transformation, leadership and mindfulness. They was featured at TEDxRenfrewCollingwood where they gave a talk titled, We are what we think, which outlined a course of action we can take to work on the global epidemic of bullying.

Valerie is the award-winning author of 10 books, and the co-author and co-founder of Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teaching to Overcome Addiction. Since its publication, it has won the Best USA Book Award 2014 and Best International Book Award 2015 in the self motivational and self help category. Eight Step Recovery offers an alternative to the 12 step program for addiction. Eight Step meetings are now taking place in the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, India and Finland. Valerie uses the pronouns they/their/them because they do not subscribe to how society defines a woman. She/Her limits their capacity to be who they truly are.

Mindfulness Teacher & Recovery Coach

Valerie is the co-creator of Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR). They are a certified professional Mindfulness Teacher, Recovery Coach, Life Coach, and a Compassionate Inquiry Facilitator and Practitioner. Valerie has been practicing mindfulness for over 30 years and is one of the leading African-descent voices in the field of mindfulness and addiction. She trains professionals working in the field of addiction all over the world.

They are also  the author of Detox Your Heart: Meditations for Emotional Trauma — a self-help guide on mindfulness of negative emotions.

Dharma Teacher

Valerie — also known as Vimalasara — was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Community and is a senior teacher in this tradition. Although they work tirelessly in the field of mindfulness, the Buddhist teachings are an essential part of her personal practice.

They are the chairperson of the Triratna Vancouver Buddhist Centre in British Columbia, Canada, and leads and co-leads retreats both nationally and internationally. They was also the co-founder of Healing and Insight and is a teacher on Worldwide Insight.

Playwright

Valerie wrote the box office sell-out cult play, Sin Dykes, and has been touring their one woman show, Brown Girl In The Ring, internationally for the past ten years. The show is adapted to current issues and politics, while keeping to the plot that they are related to the Queen of England. They recently co-produced blackhalifax.com — 12 short poetic dramas documenting the African-descent history of Halifax, Nova Scotia dating back to the 1600’s.

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Take On Faith – August 14, 2021

Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Agudath Shalom in Stamford, Connecticut, is the guest. He joined host Xolani Kacela on Take On Faith to discuss his book, what will they say about you when you are gone, published by Health Communications. The program was broadcast on KTAL-LP 101.5 in Las Cruces, NM.

Rabbi Cohen and xk discussed the seven principles for living a life of legacy. Also, they dug into the meaning of “reverse engineering” one’s life. That  describes how to live one’s true purpose and realize one’s “divine potential.”

The conversation covered many topics from the book, to include embracing meditative minutes, finding Elijah moments, and bringing light into the world through act of goodness.

Rabbi Cohen’s website is rabbidanielcohen.com.

You can contact Rabbi Daniel Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org.

From Guest’s Website:

Popular motivator, mentor, and inspirational speaker, Rabbi Daniel Cohen’s unique blend of authenticity, humor, wisdom, and insight helps anyone better navigate contemporary society and lead a life of legacy. Engaging in hundreds of end of life conversations and delivering thousands of eulogies provide him with a unique perspective on the essence of a meaningful life.

Rabbi Cohen has served in the rabbinate for over thirty years and currently serves as senior Rabbi at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, CT, the largest modern orthodox synagogue in New England. Rabbi Cohen is author of What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy, speaks nationally on leading a life of legacy and is currently writing two books.

The first is a parable book on the secret of the light and the second is with former NBA All Star and Olympic Gold medalist Allan Houston on legacy. He is co-host with Reverend Greg Doll of the nationally syndicated Radio Show, The Rabbi and the Reverend and writes for the Huffington Post Blog and is a Bottom Line Inc. Expert.

He enjoys doing magic shows, playing sports, writing, searching for God, and living life with joy and ever-present smile! Rabbi Cohen and Diane are the grateful parents of six daughters and two grandsons.

Teresa Valenzuela

Take On Faith – August 7, 2021

Teresa Valenzuela is the guest. She joined host Rev. Carolyn Wilkins for a lively conversation on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5.

Teresa Valenzuela discussed her path as a bi-lingual educator, spiritual practitioner/counselor and community service advocate. Her goal is to ‘pray it forward.’

Robert Gill, Jr.

Take On Faith – July 24, 2021

Robert Gill, Jr. wrote the book Happiness Power: How to unleash your power and live with a more joyful life, which he published on Teaching Press. He joined host Rev. Xolani Kacela for a lively conversation on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5.

Robert Gill, Jr. shared many important insights about happiness and the research he’s gathered in response to recognizing how many Americans experience unhappiness. He talked about the various “powers” that happiness creates for people. Much of it, he shared, originates from being an optimist.

Also, Gill discussed the benefits of optimism and how people can learn how to be happy. He explained the relationship between happiness and gratitude. Furthermore, explored how things, including money, related to happiness. Gill got into self-kindness and generosity as paths to joy and happiness.

You can contact Robert Gill, Jr. at robert@robertgilljr.com.

From the Guest’s Website:

Robert Gill, Jr. author, publisher, entrepreneur, and businessperson is best known for the ArtMolds Journal, a monthly glossy magazine on art and sculpture that he published for four years. His most recent book, 90 Days to Your First Real Estate Investment Purchase, is a guide assisting beginners with little money to invest in rental properties. His latest book, Happiness Power is scheduled for release in January 2021. He has written non-fiction books and articles on subjects ranging from teaching, crafts, and hobbies, and self-help as well as cooking to personal finance. His works are recommended by 4 ⅓ out of 5 people that recommend things. He lives in Far Hills, New Jersey, with his wife and dog, Ginger, surrounded by neighbors he has never met.

You can get involved with my next book by contacting me with your suggestions. I promise that I read each one of them. Please leave a review on Amazon, Kindle or Audible website where you have purchased one of my books. To contact Robert Gill, Jr., click here.

Dr. Matthew Welsh – Spiritual Media Blog

Take On Faith – July 17, 2021

Dr. Matthew Welsh founded the Spiritual Media Blog, which hosts interviews and resources for readers and communities. He joined host Rev. Xolani Kacela for a lively conversation on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5.

Dr. Welsh shared his story of leaving his law career, earning a Ph.D. in psychology, and going into practice. He also sees patients at the Veteran Affairs Center in Indianapolis. Importantly, the interview covered how mental health and spirituality merge.

Surprisingly, Matt Welsh revealed half of his blog’s content is targeted to people seeking resources for a better life. Most of his guests practice non-traditional spirituality. Dr. Welsh shared how writing his novel helped him deal with important life issues and discover his purpose.

You can contact Dr. Matt Welsh at editor@spiritualmediablog.com.

From Guest’s Website:

Dr. Matthew Welsh J.D., Ph.D. is the founder of Spiritual Media Blog. After graduating from law school Dr. Welsh created Spiritual Media Blog to be a source of inspirational content, media, and entertainment. He began his career in Hollywood working for an entertainment agency, the William Morris Agency, and then as a trial lawyer for the Department of Child Services in Indiana. He realized that he was not happy working as a lawyer. So, he quit his job as a lawyer to pursue his calling to become a psychologist and obtained his PhD in Psychology. He now works as a full-time clinical psychologist. For more information about his private coaching and counseling practice, please visit https://drmatthewwelsh.com.

Dr. Welsh has presented inspirational lectures on how to create a meaningful career to venues across the country including the San Diego Convention Center, international not-for-profit organization Dress For Success, and the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of The Bottom Line, a novel about a young man in college learning how to overcome the male ego. He has also appeared in film as a featured guest for the Spiritual Cinema Circle DVD club, alongside Stephen Simon, producer of Academy Award winning film, What Dreams May Come. His podcast has featured conversations with thought-leaders including Neale Donald Walsch, Arielle Ford, James Redfield (Author of Celestine Prophecy) and William Arntz (Director of What the Bleep Do We Know?).

Dr. Larry Ward

Take On Faith – July 10, 2021

Dr. Larry Ward practices as an ordained Buddhist teacher and ordained Christian minister. He completed his Buddhist studies with the Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village in France. He authored the book America’s Racial Karma, which is published by Parallax Press in 2020.

During this Take On Faith episode, Dr. Ward and host Xolani Kacela discussed subjects covered in his book. They explored Ward’s experience of race while teaching in China and Africa. Ward discussed the importance of being in the body.

He shared what it means to be African American and Buddhist. His research covers the beginning of racism. Also, the show explored his meditative and prayer life and the reflective work covered in the book.

The conversation covered how spiritual practices can heal the racial divide in America. Host and guest explored neuroscience, trauma, embodied spirituality, and how history and truth impact human identity and emotions.

You can contact Dr. Larry Ward at larry@thelotusinstitute.org.

From Guest’s Website:

So says Zen Buddhist teacher Dr. Larry Ward.

Shot at by the police as an 11-year-old child for playing baseball in the wrong spot, as an adult, Larry Ward experienced the trauma of having his home firebombed by racists. At Plum Village Monastery in France, the home in exile of his teacher, Vietnamese peace activist and Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. Ward found a way to heal. In these short reflective essays, he offers his insights on the effects of racial constructs and answers the question: how do we free ourselves from our repeated cycles of anger, denial, bitterness, pain, fear, violence? Larry Ward looks at the causes and conditions that have led us to our current state and finds, hidden in the crisis, a profound opportunity to reinvent what it means to be a human being. This is an invitation to transform America’s racial karma.

Justin Miles – Black & Buddhist

Take On Faith – June 26, 2021

Justin Miles serves as a Black Buddhist teacher who also identifies as a Christian. He joined host Xolani Kacela on Take On Faith for a discussion about his spiritual work. The show airs on KTAL-LP 101.5 from Las Cruces, NM.

Justin Miles is a licensed mental health provider, hip-hop artist, and martial arts expert. He shared his journey to Buddhism and how he lives as Black person on many levels. He unpacked the challenges of living true to himself and being among an all-white spiritual community.

A native of D.C., Miles offered listeners several unique perspectives on being true to oneself, embracing imperfection, and keeping an open mind while dealing with today’s most pressing issues.

You can contact Justin Miles at milesinstitute@gmail.com.

From Justin Miles’ website:

In 2010 I started the Miles Institute of Integral Living in order to help anyone that I could with challenges of the body, mind, spirit, self, culture, society and nature. The various ways that I assist others come directly from my experience as an imperfect human being, an educated and experienced Buddhist teacher, meditation instructor, psychotherapist, Hiphop artist and survivalist. My philosophy is to be of benefit to others by any means necessary, but especially by any means that others feel connected with. I will help anyone do anything that they think will provide growth and healing in their lives as long as it won’t hurt themselves or others. Whatever skills, insights and gifts that appear to be mine are shared freely with the world.

I began to realize that the only thing to do with my life is to be of service to others, not just through my education but through whoever I’ve learned to be on my human journey. I try to see the wisdom in everything and the world as teacher when i’m relaxed and receptive enough to allow that to happen. Personally, my sense of well-being comes from the practices of meditation, spiritual study, making Hiphop music, gardening, being alone in nature, facilitating therapy, raising my children, sweat lodges, vision quests, marksmanship, hanging out with friends and watching movies, but there is probably nothing that brings me greater pleasure than helping others.

Daniel Simpson

Take On Faith – June 12, 2021

Daniel Simpson discussed his new book, The Truth About Yoga. His book provides an in-depth look at yoga. The book is available on Amazon and wherever you buy your books.

Simpson joined host Xolani Kacela from his home in Oxford, England. It was his first appearance on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5.

Daniel Simpson shared his story about how he discovered yoga. Also, he talked about how he became a yoga expert. He discussed yoga’s roots and its early texts. Importantly, he explained yoga evolved from Hindu practice to modern day exercise.

He broke down how politics, religion, and culture changed yoga practice. Originally, it was a way to ease suffering. An established author, he updated listeners on the current state of yoga in the world.

From Guest’s Website:

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Subtitled “A Comprehensive Guide to Yoga’s History, Texts, Philosophy, and Practices,” this book provides succinct answers to almost any question about yoga’s evolution, putting teachings into context and dispelling misconceptions.

To quote the back cover:

Yoga is practiced by many millions of people worldwide and is celebrated for its mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. And yet, as Daniel Simpson reveals in The Truth of Yoga, much of what is said about yoga is misleading. For example, the word “yoga” does not always mean union. In fact, in perhaps the discipline’s most famous text—the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali—its aim is described as separation: isolating consciousness from everything else. And yoga is not five thousand years old, as is commonly claimed; the earliest evidence of practice dates back about twenty-five hundred years. (Yoga may well be older, but no one can prove it.)

The Truth of Yoga is a clear, concise, and accessible handbook for the lay reader that draws upon abundant recent scholarship. It outlines these new findings with practitioners in mind, highlighting ways to keep traditions alive in the twenty-first century.

Daniel Simpson teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, and at Triyoga in London. He is a graduate of Cambridge University and has a master’s degree from SOAS University of London.

Order a copy on the links below, at your local shop, or via Google or iBooks. An audiobook read by Tim Bruce is available on Audible.

Rev. Kelli Jareaux

Take On Faith – June 5, 2021

Rev. Carolyn Wilkins, our host, speaks with Rev. Kelli Jareaux, a minister, attorney and author. They discuss Rev. Kelli’s newly released book ‘I AM @ WORK‘ including the true purpose of work, how work can be more fulfilling and tips on how to move beyond challenges.

From Kelli Jareaux’s Amazon Page:

Experience Divinity at Work! Sizzle with Unique Purpose! Flourish in Any Workplace! Navigate Difficult Office Dynamics! For those looking to succeed in the practice of Spirituality at Work, this book reveals how! With this book, you can Discover your True Work and advance it on any job! Here is a sample of what you will find inside:
I AM @ Work—Unleashing The Power Of Divine Self On The Job
•Seizing Your God-Given Authority through Energetic Programming
•101 Tips to Ascend Above Workplace Challenges
•Decoding Your Work DNA
•Constructing and Customizing Your Spiritual Toolkit for the Workplace
•Deciphering Why God needs You on the Job
•Igniting Quit Power, Practicing Purpose over Permanence
•Transforming the World so that the Smartest and best are the Truest
•Karoshi—Work Yourself to Life, Not Death
… and Much, MUCH More!
And, as a Special Bonus for your home and work life Rev. Kelli reveals the “Yes . . . And” Secret for effectively saying “No” to anyone on the job or wherever you are!
Rev. Kelli’s private coaching clients and workshop attendees have thrived using these secrets. Now, YOU can too!

Rev. Kelli is a mystical activist committed to evolution and transformation in the workplace and the world. Described by New York Times Best-Selling Author and Emmy Award Winner, Reverend Doctor Iyanla Vanzant, as a “blessing to God’s Kingdom” and “simply magnificent,” Rev. Kelli is a visionary voice for our time. A Georgetown Law graduate, she has examined the inner workings of countless corporations, organizations, and governmental entities while serving as an attorney, executive life coach, international facilitator, and trainer. Various publications have featured her work including the anthology, Sacred Secrets: Finding Your Way To Joy, Peace, And Prosperity, and 11:11 Magazine. Rev. Kelli is the founder of the GROW Continuum, Inc., a non-denominational church with the simple motto, LIVE LIFE & GROW!

Dravon James

Take On Faith – June 2021

Dravon James is author of Freedom is Your Birthright. She joined host, Rev. Xolani Kacela, for a multi-faceted conversation on Take On Faith. The show broadcasts on KTAL-LP FM 101.5.

Dravon James is known as an inspirational speaker, radio host, and life coach. Moreover, she is the founder of Everyday Peace. EP serves as her platform for helping and inspiring others to build the life of their dreams.

A pharmacist by training, she uses her pharmacist skills for bringing light into other peoples’ lives. Plus, it’s on the show, where she shares her Everyday Peace message.

She also hosts her weekly radio show “Everyday Peace” on Unity Radio.

You can reach Dr. Dravon James on her social media handles: Twitter, Instagram, and Skype.

From guest’s website:

Her journey began in poverty on the South Side of Chicago. Though she had always dreamed of a career on the stage, Dravon went on to earn a doctorate in pharmacy from Creighton University and has worked as a pharmacist all of her adult life. Along with her medical career and theatrical aspirations, Dravon has also had a keen interest in personal development. After reading Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking in college, she went on to make a lifelong study of the power we all have to create the life we want.

Dr. Janice Marie Johnson

Take On Faith – June 2021

Dr. Janice Marie Johnson, Co-Director of Ministries and Faith Development at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), is the guest of this episode of Take On Faith. The show, hosted by Rev. Xolani Kacela, broadcasts on KTAL-LP 10.5 in Las Cruces, NM. The show airs on Saturdays at 10 am MT.

Dr. Johnson, an expert on religious leadership, explored many topics which are high priority for liberal religious faith leaders. First, she discussed her grief following her twin sister’s death this year. Then, she talked about the collective grief many experience around the globe due to the pandemic.

Importantly, Dr. Johnson described the Unitarian Universalist (UU) faith, which many describe as a liberal religious faith tradition. Next, she spoke about the UU seven principles and the UU mission and vision for ministry. She talked about her view of the religious landscape as one of most senior leaders in the denomination. Also, how leaders at the top guide a denomination.

Interview Highlights

Prophetically, Dr. Johnson offered words about healing our nation and world by adhering to love, compassion, listening, empathy, and other virtues.

Of particular note, Dr. Johnson and Kacela discussed in-depth challenges for those disrupting white supremacy culture. This effort stands at the forefront of UU ministry. Together, they unpacked the need for white people to share power and honor BIPOCs (Black, Indigenous people, and people of color) realities and experiences.

Of great significance, Dr. Johnson provided insights for healing racial division. Likewise, you’ll want to learn her take on the differences between liberal and conservative faiths.

Skillfully, Dr. Johnson shared how love and listening are two important factors for all ministry. You’ll enjoy this powerful conversation with a major thought leader.

You can reach Dr. Janice Marie Johnson at jmjohnson@uua.org.

Xolani Kacela & Carolyn Wilkins

Take On Faith – May 22, 2021

Xolani Kacela and Carolyn Wilkins, the co-hosts of Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5, had a spirited conversation. They updated listeners on the developments in their ministries during the pandemic. Kacela serves as Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces. Wilkins serves as the lead minister, Inspirational Ministries, also based in Las Cruces.

Also, they discussed many contemporary concerns on the spiritual landscape. Of note, was the pandemic’s impact on their congregations and the greater Las Cruces community. Additionally, they shared reactions to the recent interfaith gathering at the S. New Mexico Islamic Center and their hopes for upcoming multi-faith events. Together, Kacela and Wilkins unpacked topics that affects the listening audience.

Importantly, Revs. Kacela and Wilkins delved in the impact of the big three. They include: the George Floyd verdict, Pres. Biden’s election, and the U.S. Capitol insurrection. Also, the conversation focused on how faith intersects with politics. Lastly, they honed in how to disrupt white supremacy culture and reuniting the nation.

Minister Satya Emanuel

Take On Faith – April 24, 2021

Minister Satya Emanuel is the guest on this Take On Faith episode. She/they is/are a Unitarian Universalist minister. Emanuel joined host Xolani Kacela for a lively discussion about the Day of Silence.

The Day of Silence honors LGBTQ people and their life struggles. Emanuel identifies as a bi/pan-sexual person. She is married and a mother of 3-month-old Ari. The conversation covered a variety of topics. They included how gender and sexual orientation intersect with spirituality and church life.

Emanuel shed light on ways non-LGBTQ people can support members in the LGBTQ community. She offered helpful and concrete examples. She (they) also unpacked some difficulties straight people have relating to LGBTQ folx, especially in spiritual communities.

Kacela and Emanuel had an in-depth conversation about the pronouns people use to identity themselves. They explored the importance of using pronouns in everyday life. Also, Emanuel distinguished between gender and sexual orientation and provided insight to help us navigate and create beloved community.

Rev. Joseph Hill

Take On Faith – April 10, 2021

Rev. Joseph Hill joined Rev. Carolyn Wilkins, your host, for a lively conversation. Hill serves as the Lead Pastor of Lordsburg Assembly Church. He also serves as the Director of Community Health & Education at National Center for Frontier Communities.

Hill and Wilkins discussed the opportunities for serving a rural community. They also delved into their social justice work on immigration and workers rights.

Bracha Goetz

Take On Faith – March 13, 2021

Bracha Goetz joined Xolani Kacela for an interesting talk about her book, Searching for God in the Garbage. Goetz wrote the book using her childhood writings and young adult journal.

The interview focused on her life dealing with an eating disorder, food addiction, and coming to grips with mental illness. Goetz shared her path to finding spirituality, her life’s purpose, and ancient wisdom she found in Orthodox Judaism. She joined Rev. XK from her home in Baltimore, MD.

From an interview with Bracha Goetz:

What are key elements that make a children’s book work?
Children love seeing pictures of children. They love funny illustrations with vibrant colors. They also love repetition, but take care—a children’s picture book shouldn’t be too didactic. The book Is it Shabbos Yet? by Ellen Emerman is full of repetition and so many wonderful messages—the kinds of preparation involved in making Shabbos, the joy of Shabbos and the bond between the mother and daughter.

My What Do You See? series [a word-and-picture book series for toddlers—What Do You See at Home?; What Do You See on Shabbos?, et cetera] subtly contains vital concepts, such as the need to express gratitude and include everyone in games. If the books are enjoyable, children don’t realize that they’re internalizing these messages. Lessons about simchah and giving, for example, are readily absorbed into a child’s neshamah.

Larry Yates

Take On Faith – March 6, 2021

Larry Yates joined guest host, Rev. Carolyn Wilkins, for an interesting interview about his life and religious journey. Yates, a close friend of Wilkins for years, serves in many capacities. Those include: life coach, business consultant, musician, artist, and author.

Interestingly, he talked about many innovative ways to view scripture. Significantly, he discussed music and religion impacted his journey. Importantly, they covered his humble beginning in Mississippi. Furthermore, they explored his path to becoming a Hollywood entertainment consultant.

Tune in for this episode of Take On Faith.

Julie Kramer

Take On Faith – February 27, 2021

Julie Kramer spends time with Rev. Xolani Kacela on this episode of Take On Faith. She is the author of two books, Discover Your Calling and her latest book, Grief to Gratitude. Kramer is an expert in hospital chaplaincy having spent time with over 10k patients. Today, we’ll hear her discuss her unique method of helping people work through personal grief and anxiety and how they can come out whole.

During the interview, Kramer discussed many aspects of her process of dealing with grief. Inspired by her reading the book Stages of Faith by Dr. James Fowler, Kramer learned how viewing and relating to people as going through stages of life, she could be less judgmental and empathic.

Importantly, Kramer helps people go through the grief process quickly. She does this using her personal form of spiritual direction. She also encourages people to listen to their heart and mind.

Please tune in to this inspiring conversation.

From Julie Kramer’s website:

Julie Kramer is a transformational coach, author and speaker. She is committed to using her background to expand awareness for people to transform themselves to achieve fulfillment. Her services help people become the hero of their own life story as they integrate lost parts of themselves.

Her life as an executive coach and search consultant led to success in high-tech start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, and venture capital firms. In the corporate world, she hired top talent for hundreds of high growth companies and coached over 1,000 people to advance, pivot, or change careers.

James Goi, Jr.

Take On Faith – February 20, 2021

James Goi, Jr. joined host, Xolani Kacela, for a conversation on Take On Faith from his home in San Diego, California. During the talk, Goi discussed his interesting faith journey. He grew up in a Catholic family in New Jersey and made his way to California as a young adult. Much of the conversation focused on his book, The New Normal.

During this episode of Take on Faith, Goi was reflective and engaging. He provided deep insights into how human beings live in the world using spirituality as a guide. He lives by his own principles developed over many years of study. Listeners will enjoy this conversation from KTAL-LP 101.5 FM from Las Cruces, NM.

From James Goi, Jr.’s website:

As this book is being published, the world is in the grasp of the 2020 Covid-19 crisis. The author and teacher James Goi Jr. was inspired to write this book to help people to take a step back, to take a deep breath, and to not add to the negative mental, emotional, and spiritual energy currently surrounding the planet.

This book will help you to rise above the current climate of fear, turmoil, sadness, and uncertainty. It will help you view what is going on right now from a higher vantage point. Also, from the view of one who is mentally stable, emotionally mature, and spiritually grounded. So, if you’ve found yourself pulled into the drama of this worldwide crisis and feel like you need a break from it, here it is.

From The New Normal:

You need your spiritual and meta-physical in-sight now more than ever. Dig deep. If—as the mystics have been telling us all along and the quantum [world] have now validated—life and so-called reality are much different from what the average human being has thought them to be since human beings have been around and right up until today, how does this current emergency change that? It doesn’t.

Rich Kirkpatrick

Take On Faith – February 13, 2021

Rich Kirkpatrick joined host, Xolani Kacela, for a conversation on Take On Faith from his home in Long Beach, California. During the talk, Kirkpatrick discussed his long and winding faith journey. He has been a member of several faith communities.

During this episode of Take on Faith, Kirkpatrick was lively and engaging. He provided a clear picture of how he hopes his music changes people and the world. Listeners will enjoy this conversation from KTAL-LP 101.5 FM from Las Cruces, NM.

Rich Kirkpatrick is the author of The Six Hats of the Worship Leader. His work focuses on building the life of the church. He consults with church leaders, coaching, and speaking. As a worship professional, Kirkpatrick serves in many roles. His specialty is taking worship leaders to the next level.

Currently, Kirkpatrick blogs at RKblog.com. He designed a guide for those interested in the creative process. It is called The Dream, The Sandbox, and the Story. The guide diagrams the creative process in great detail.

Later this year, Kirkpatrick plans to release his next book. In it, he explores creativity, brain science, and music.

Kirkpatrick speaks around the country as he trains worship leaders. As a musician, he is a songwriter and recording artist. He and his daughter, Emilie, form the group known as A Beautiful Liturgy.

About the Six Hats

Many church leadership books today seem to focus heavily on the language of the corporate world. Throw a creative worship leader into the mix and vertigo sets in for all involved. Why? Creative leaders simply think differently. The Six Hats shows you how to better explain your worship leadership to those in charge. For those whose role comprises leading worship leaders, the language shared in Kirkpatrick’s book aims to help you take your team to their next level.