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.

Johana Bencomo and Abraham Sanchez

Take On Faith – February 6, 2021

Johana Bencomo, and Abraham Sanchez are guest this week. Bencomo is a Las Cruces City Councilwoman and Executive Director of NM CAFe. Abraham Sanchez is a Community Organizer with NM CAFe.

Rev. Carolyn Wilkins hosts this episode of Take On Faith broadcasts on KTAL-LP FM 101.5.

About NM Cafe:

We believe that our organization’s source of power comes from our base.

We believe that our base is made up of directly impacted people, people of faith deeply rooted in justice and each other, who will lead the fight to shift New Mexico politics.

We believe that our organizers and our leaders have a clear racial and economic analysis that informs our political imaginations.

We believe in a culture of formation, investment, and leadership development for our leaders, our staff, and our board of directors.

Faith based organizing serves people. NM CAFé aspires creates a supportive culture. We empower New Mexicans to act on their own. They deserve a better quality of life.

NM CAFé serves as a crucial actor in the political landscape in southern New Mexico. We create a “land of opportunity” by challenging our elected leaders. In turn, they put families’ needs and the common good of New Mexico first.

At the helm of our efforts, we have strong leaders. They play a pivotal role in healing the state. They restore people’s confidence in responsive government, which promotes opportunity for all.

Marla Goldberg

Take On Faith – January 30, 2021

Marla Goldberg, an energy healer, intuitive, speaker, and author speaks as guest. She joins host, Rev. Xolani Kacela, for this episode of Take On Faith. Goldberg discusses how her 14 healing modalities helped her overcome a difficult upbringing and abusive marriage.

During the program, Goldberg discussed her book, My F*cking Long Journey To Loving Myself: A Guide to a Shorter Path. Listeners learned her book aims to help people heal faster. According to Goldberg, she wants people to learn from her experience. Therefore, reading her book will expedite their journey.

Book excerpt:

I am confident that the TTTs that have helped me change
my life will assist you in doing the same. Consistency is the
key in any practice. These techniques need to be used regularly,
depending on what your focus is on, to really be of
benefit for you and your life. Look at it like a workout program.
If you exercise once a week or once a month, you
won’t see the changes you desire, but if you work out five to
six days a week, you will begin to see your body transform.

As a public speaker, Goldberg also leads workshops. She described her upcoming on-line workshop, which begins this week.

For those interested in her podcast, she hosts Guided Spirit Conversations.

Marla Goldberg discussed Spiritual Response. This is another way that she helps people heal. Interestingly, Goldberg explained how energy healing relates to science.

She joined us via the internet from her home near Charlotte, NC.

To contact Goldberg, email her at: marlagoldberghealer@gmail.com. Her website is https://www.marlagoldberrg.com/.

Rev. Don McCreary

Take On Faith – January 23, 2021

Rev. Don McCreary, today’s guest, retired from the Disciples of Christ (Christian Church). Before retirement, he served as CEO of Christian Church Homes of Northern California. During this episode, host Xolani Kacela, and Rev. McCreary discussed his work in low income and senior housing.

Uniquely, the show began with a brief tribute to their beloved friend, Winthrop “Win” Marshall. A spiritual man, Marshall died in late 2020 from complications related to diabetes.

An expert on housing, Rev. McCreary focused on how people find and pay for senior housing. Importantly, McCreary discussed why your housing costs should not exceed 30% of income.

During the conversation, Rev. McCreary explained the intricacies of living in low-cost senior housing and apartments. Also, McCreary provided keen insights on securing senior housing. He highlighted advantages of living in denomination-sponsored, independent apartment complexes.

Rev. McCreary described how seniors might go about finding affordable housing in their senior years. If you anticipate retirement or seek low-cost living, you’ll benefit from listening.

Bottom line, you don’t want to miss this show!

Rev. Don McCreary can be reached at dhmccreary@aol.com or +1 (816) 830-4099.

About Take On Faith

Take On Faith broadcasts on KTAL-LP FM 101.5 from Las Cruces, NM. The radio show airs on Saturdays at 10 am MT. Guests share perspectives on religious, spiritual, and metaphysical aspects of life.

Guests present their beliefs, ideas, and views. Frequently, xk’s guests discuss their books. Rev. xk’s guests include personalities from all faith traditions, denominations, and spiritual communities.

A Unitarian Universalist minister, Rev. “xk” does not discriminate against any faith group.

Once a month, the Rev. Carolyn Wilkins hosts the program. Rev. Wilkins is the spiritual leader for Inspirational Ministries in Las Cruces, NM. You can reach her at +1 (310) 801-9800 or revcwilkins@gmail.com.

Please send your suggestions for guests on Take On Faith. Email “xk” at xk@revdrxk.com. You can also phone xk at +1 (919) 949-2002.

Importantly, we seek clergy members, authors, or faith leaders. We’re especially interested in hosting people with unique viewpoints. If you fit that description, and are interested in being a guest on Take On Faith, please contact xk.

Fr. Gabrielle Rochelle

Take On Faith – January 16, 2021

Fr. Gabrielle Rochelle is the guest on this episode of Take On Faith, on KTAL-LP FM 101.5. Fr. Gabrielle is the pastor of the St. Anthony of the Desert, an Orthodox Christian mission in Las Cruces, NM. The parish is a mission of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Fr. Gabrielle and his wife, Pani Susan, founded the church in 2007. He also serves as a seminary and university professor.

Fr. Gabrielle and host Xolani Kacela discussed the Eastern Orthodox tradition and its place in the pantheon of Christianity. An expert in religion, he provided several insights to how faith and religion play into the ways our culture and politics is taking shape today. He also discussed how faith is experienced by millennials and those influenced by theories which refute science.

Fr. Gabrielle Rochelle can be reached at gabrielcroch@aol.com; 575-520-1916 (cell).

Tune in for a lively conversation.

Rev. Chuck Freeman

Take on Faith – January 9, 2021

Rev. Chuck Freeman, the Executive Director of the Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry (TXUUJM), is the guest on this episode. An expert in social justice ministries, he spoke candidly with guest host Rev. Carolyn Wilkins. Together, they took an in-depth look at the ways that faith intersects with legislation and social justice concerns.

Together, they explored Rev. Freeman’s work with TXUUJM and the impact of this ministry on local communities. Also, Freeman delved into his efforts to combat racism. A veteran in this work, he shared strategies for dismantling White supremacy in local government throughout Texas and beyond. Importantly, Freeman discussed current issues, such as the recent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and the forces that enabled that event. Freeman offered a primer on White supremacy and the societal forces that perpetuate it in American politics.

Rev. Freeman, an amicable person, spoke about the fruits of his interpersonal relationships. In particular, he illuminated the importance of building coalitions that cut across racial lines in the communities he serves. You’ll appreciate hearing how he models interfaith and anti racism in his work in Texas. For true insights, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Tune in for a lively and informative conversation.

Desert Spirit Covenant of Pagans

Take on Faith – January 2, 2021

This episode of Take on Faith, from KTAL-LP 101.5 FM, is unique. It features members of the Desert Spirit Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPs) of Las Cruces. The speakers are Lora Jackson Legare, Victor Gibbs, and Cassandra Calway. With host, Rev. Xolani Kacela, they engaged in a lively conversation about paganism. Surprisingly, the conversation had many surprising twists and turns. Significantly, two members switched to paganism from Christianity and one came from a family of atheists.

For those interested, the faith group meets at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces. During the conversation, they explored several traditions under the pagan umbrella. Individually and collectively, they described the many facets of pagan spiritual practices. For example, they shared how Wiccans find hope and inspiration. Also, they talked about ways the practice helps people deal with life’s troubles. The latter, you’ll discover, involved being in community and caring for one another. Lastly, you will enjoy hearing how these practitioners developed confidence to practice a tradition that some find unusual.

Listeners can get in contact with the faith group through their Facebook page.

Take on Faith – December 19, 2020

Sterling Cruze is an actor and author of The Diary. During this episode of Take On Faith, he discussed his life as a black gay man growing up in various parts of the U.S. The book is an eye-opening memoir.

Early in the interview, he talked about his religious upbringing, which was very interesting. Being raised as both Christian and Catholic, he later became a member of a Jewish synagogue while living with his faith, who had earlier converted to Judaism.

Importantly, Cruze provided details about learning to accept his sexual orientation as a gay man. He also illuminated his work as a author, salesperson, including insight to retail and auto sales. Then, then he opened up about acting and the impact of studying improv at Second City in Chicago on his personal and spiritual life.

His book is The Diary.  You can purchased it on amazon.com. His website is www.sterlingcruze.com.

Take On Faith – December 12, 2020

Tess Whitehurst is a spiritual teacher, author, and blogger. This week, on Take On Faith, our guest joins “xk” in a lively conversation. First, she discusses her work in magical arts. Second, as the author of several books, Whitehurst details how we can bring magic into our world every day.

As a whole, the conversation focuses on her 2018 book, You Are Magical.

Listen in and learn how to used magic and live with purpose. During the interview, Whitehurst takes you on a deep dive. You probably didn’t know magic happens in your daily life. Magic shows up in diet and exercise, mindfulness, and finding love and romance. Moreover, magic practitioners, often gather in community.

In colorful detail, the discussion reveals magic translates into skills for dealing with big problem in American society. For example, you can use it to understand racism and gender disparities.

As a bonus, for listeners interested in learning more, Whitehurst referenced several resources. For your convenience, the following books were mentioned during the interview.

In conclusion, Whitehurst offered words of compassion for the listening audience. Gently, she encouraged listeners with a message you’ll want to hear.

Tune in by clicking the link below.

Take On Faith – December 5, 2020

Rev. Connie L. Habash joins guest host, Rev. Carolyn Wilkins today. The two engage in a lively conversation. Habash authored the book, Awakening from Anxiety: A Spiritual Guide to Living a More Calm, Confident, and Courageous Life. Habash serves as a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT).

During the conversation, Rev. Habash talks about her origins and her path into this work. Her practice includes counseling, yoga, meditation, and spirituality. Also, in today’s show, Habash delves into the emotion of anxiety and how anxiety affects us all, especially spiritual practitioners.

Furthermore, Rev. Habash takes a deep dive to help us understand the origins of anxiety and its relationship to good mental health. Along the way, she shares ways that all people can learn to embrace anxiety and live with it more constructively. She also discusses ways to incorporate spiritual practices as a coping strategy.

After listening to this program, you will gain a sense of confidence in dealing with anxiety in your life and living masterfully. You’ll appreciate the way Rev. Habash discusses anxiety and connecting with the body and divine.

Rev. Connie Habash’s website is https://www.AwakeningSelf.com. She can be reached at connie@awakeningself.com.

Rev. Connie Habash, LMFT

Take On Faith – November 21, 2020

Rev. Gary Ortiz and Rev. Joseph Kamphuis both serve as military chaplains in the New Mexico ​Air National Guard. During this lively conversation, Chaplains Lt. Col. Ortiz and Maj. Kamphuis discuss the intricacies of military chaplaincy. As clergy and military men, both of them describe their roles and responsibilities as military chaplains and how that differs from other institutional chaplains.

As a result of their deployments, they share stories from thier lives during military deployments and how Air Force personnel deal with separation from their families. In a unique way, the chaplains offer clarity and insight when they discuss their unique pastoral authority. You’ll find it interesting to learn how chaplains fit into the military as officers and clergy.

Both chaplains are members of the 150th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, NM.

Ch, Lt. Col. Gary Ortiz can be reached at gryortiz@yahoo.com. Ch, Maj. Joe Kamphuis can be reached at pastorjoekamphuis@gmail.com.

Take On Faith – November 14, 2020

Rev. Dr. Russell Elleven focuses on his work as a chaplain who specializes in grief, death and dying, and animal chaplaincy. Elleven, who is a Unitarian Universalist minister in the Chicago area, provides keen insights. He illustrates why people struggle with dying and he breaks down the benefits of confronting loss willingly and bravely. As a two-time cancer survivor, Elleven shares parts of his personal journey t​o holistic living and how people will benefit from purposeful life-planning.

Russell Elleven, D.Min. can be reached at relleven@gmail.com

Take On Faith – October 31, 2020 KTAL-LP 101.5 FM

Rick Chavez grew up as a Catholic. He later decided to become an atheist. Formerly, a founding host of Take On Faith, he now works as a high school teacher in Bloomington, Indiana. He discussed his faith identity growing up Catholic and its positive influences on his life. Chavez now lives as an atheist after deciding the church’s teachings no longer made sense to him.

Other influences

Ricky Chavez married a Palestinian-born woman, who considers herself agnostic. Now Chavez lives a life marked by inclusion. He serves as an “agent” for Recovering From Religion. The organization’s mission is helping people deal with the aftermath of religion-based trauma. During the radio program, Ricky Chavez discussed his conversion to atheism with host, Xolani Kacela, or revdrxk.

Ricky Chavez can be reached at rchavezlsc@gmail.com.

Listen to the radio broadcast by clicking the audio above.

Take On Faith – October 24, 2020

Howard Friedman is the Emeritus Law School Professor at The University of Toledo College of Law. He is a legal scholar and blogger who focuses on religion and the law.

He spoke with, Xolani Kacela, revdrxk, as a guest on Take On Faith radio concentrated Prof. Friedman’s religious life in the Jewish faith, the origins and purposes of his blog, and various perspectives on contemporary issues related to religion, law, and politics.

“The Religion Clause blog often reports ahead of major media on judicial decisions, legislation, and legal scholarship,” said Friedman. “Its objective coverage and links to primary source material attracts a readership across religious denominations and across the political spectrum.”

Friedman is the author of four books and more than 25 articles and book chapters in the areas of securities and corporate law, First Amendment law, and white collar crime. He joined the Toledo Law faculty in 1970. He started Religion Clause in 2005 and his blog made the ABA Journal’s list on four other occasions.

Friedman headed the Cyber Securities Law Institute, where he created the Financial Regulators Gateway, an online guide to securities, banking, and insurance regulators around the world. He graduated from Ohio State University (B.A.), Harvard University (J.D.), and Georgetown University (LL.M).

You can reach Prof. Friedman at howard.friedman18@gmail.com