Afleveringen
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A Christmas reading of the greatest story since the beginning of time. David and Tara read from the Holy Bible, Isaiah 9:2,6-7; Luke 1:26-56; Luke 2:1-20.
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To read along with the Scripture, see our show notes page on the With U Podcast website.
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Music credits:
- Music by Jesse P from Pixabay
- Music by Clavier Clavier from Pixabay
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Home is where the heart is, as they say, and the house we live in matters too. It’s clear that the place we live has a big impact on our wellbeing and relationships. We explore some research that identifies factors contributing to happiness at home. Join us as we discover the difference between size and spaciousness, and learn about the importance of adaptability, access to nature, and inviting others in. We share what we love about our own home, and some practical takeaways about what creates a harmonious living environment.
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The GoodHome Report (2019)
Happy Home: Learnings from Row House Typology (2022)
The Happiness Research Institute (www.happinessresearchinstitute.com) is an independent think tank exploring why some societies and some people are happier than others. Their mission is to inform decision makers of the causes and effects of human happiness, make subjective well-being part of the public policy debate, and improve quality of life for citizens across the world.
The goal of the "Happy Homes" research is to raise awareness about how physical design affects an individual. Whether we're talking about happiness or quality of life, both terms encompass a wide range of experiences and emotions, such as joy, a positive outlook on life, and a sense of purpose.
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Todd Komarnicki, writer and director of the film “Bonhoeffer” joins us for a lively discussion about many topics, including his creative process, politics, jazz, and faith. He shares insights into his portrayal of the film’s hero, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident whose writings deeply influenced David’s spiritual and professional formation. Komarnicki reflects on the deep lessons he’s learned from Bonhoeffer’s life, and shares his frustration with some misconceptions about the film’s association with political ideologies.
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Todd Komarnicki is a prolific writer, producer, and director of film and television as well as an acclaimed novelist.
Komarnicki’s screenplays include SULLY directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks, which opened at #1 in the box office to rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Komarnicki has also written an adaptation of the international bestseller, THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN, starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn; and he wrote, produced, and directed, BONHOEFFER, the WW2 true story of legendary pastor turned assassin, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which is being released theatrically worldwide November 22, 2024. In television, Komarnicki has written EARTH ABIDES, for MGM+, an adaptation of the international sci-fi favorite, by George Stewart, the series premieres December 1st.
In the literary world, his first novel, Free, was published by Doubleday in 1993 and his second novel, Famine (Arcade 1997), received tremendous reviews and was subsequently translated into French, Italian, and German. His third novel, War, was published to exceptional reviews in July of 2008 by Arcade.
Komarnicki is the president & founder of the production company Guy Walks Into A Bar.
Komarnicki and Guy Walks partner Jon Berg produced the Christmas blockbuster ELF, starring Will Ferrell and directed by Jon Favreau. The film has become a worldwide perennial favorite every Christmas season.
Komarnicki lives in New York City with his wife, Jane, their daughter, Remy, and son, Dashiell.
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Bonhoeffer’s last words: ”For me this is not the end, but the beginning of life.“
For further reading:
Letters and Papers from Prison (1951) by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Cost of Discipleship (1937) by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Life Together (1939) by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Bonhoeffer, Christ and Culture (2013), edited by Keith L. Johnson and Timothy Larsen Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance (2021) by Reggie L. Williams Letter from Bonhoeffer’s Relatives Against the Distortion of His Legacy (English translation from Zeit Online) Statement: Lead Actors in “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin” Speak Out Together Against the Misuse of Bonhoeffer’s LegacyJohn 13:3-5,12-17
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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In this episode we welcome a guest who is living out her faith with radical courage and compassion. From a pivotal moment in her youth, she felt a profound calling that altered the course of her life. She shares her extraordinary journey of stepping into unfamiliar cultures, learning new languages, and immersing herself in communities vastly different from her upbringing. Join us as we discuss the challenges and rewards of being a single woman in male-dominated societies, and building meaningful relationships through vulnerability and humility.—
We are keeping our friend's identity confidential for this episode due to the sensitive nature of her work. But trust us, she's real, she's fun, and she's one of the most authentic people we know.
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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With the inevitability of pain and suffering in our world, a typical human response is to avoid it or try to make meaning of it. In this episode, we attempt to face hard questions head-on as we discuss insights from C.S. Lewis from his book “The Problem of Pain.” We are joined by Dr. Jerry Root, an expert on Lewis’s writings, to dive deep into ideas of how to approach pain with a sense of hope instead of despair.
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Dr. Jerry Root is professor emeritus at Wheaton College, and for over 41 years, Dr. Root has lectured on C.S. Lewis topics at 78 universities in 18 countries. He is the author of numerous C.S. Lewis-focused books, articles, and publications. He is married to Claudia Root and together they have four married children and 15 grandchildren.
Connect with Jerry Root on his website: https://www.drjerryroot.com/
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produced by Zach Van Dyke
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C.S. Lewis quotes from The Problem of Pain:
“Try to exclude the possibility of suffering which the order of nature and the existence of free-wills involve, and you find that you have excluded life itself.”
“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’ “
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Books and resources Dr. Root recommends for further reading:
Alighieri, Dante. The Divine Comedy. Aegitas, 2017.
———. The Convivio of Dante Alighieri. JM Dent and Company, 1912.
———. De Monarchia: Of Monarchy. Jazzybee Verlag, 2019.
Alighieri, Dante, and Andrew Frisardi. Vita Nova. 2012.
Aquinas, Thomas. On Evil. Oxford University Press, 2003.
Beirne, Margaret. "St Irenaeus and the Scriptures." Phronema 34, no. 2 (2019).
Bliss, P. P., Horatio G. Spafford, and W. H. Sims. It Is Well with My Soul. Good Life Publications, 1982.
Boethius, Anicius, and Scott Goins. The Consolation of Philosophy: With an Introduction and Contemporary Criticism. Ignatius Press, 2011.
Chesterton, G. K. Tremendous Trifles. Dodd, Mead, 1917.
The quote, "The world will never starve for want of wonders, but only for want of wonder," appears in the essay "The Wind and the Trees" found in Tremendous Trifles (1909).
Dostoyevsky, Fyodor. The Brothers Karamazov. Penguin UK, 2003.
Ivan posits that if there is no God, there is no morality, and everything is permissible. His brother Alyosha senses the presence of God but faces a crisis of faith, finding resolution through suffering. The novel delves into deep philosophical and theological questions. — Jerry Root
Frankel, Estelle. The Wisdom of Not Knowing: Discovering a Life of Wonder by Embracing Uncertainty. Shambhala Publications, 2017.
Lewis, C. S. Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1956.
———. Reflections on the Psalms. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1958.
———. Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer. 1964.
———. The Abolition of Man. Zondervan, 2001.
———. The Problem of Pain. Zondervan, 2001.
———. A Grief Observed. Zondervan, 2001.
———. The Chronicles of Narnia. Harper Collins, 2001.
———. The Allegory of Love. Cambridge University Press, 2013.
———. The Great Divorce. DigiCat, 2022.
Pascal, Blaise, and Hugh F. Stewart. Pascal's Pensées. Routledge, 2020.
Pascal emphasizes that Christ's humility in the Incarnation and crucifixion is central to understanding God's love.
Spisak, April. "The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien by John Hendrix." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 78, no. 1 (2024): 3–4.
Thompson, W. H. The Gorgias of Plato. Whittaker, 1871.
Plato explores rhetoric and its relationship to justice, virtue, and manipulation.
Vanauken, Sheldon. A Severe Mercy. Bantam Books, 1979.
This memoir recounts Vanauken's love story, conversion to Christianity, and friendship with C. S. Lewis.
Vujicic, Nick. Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life. WaterBrook, 2012
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Do you have complicated feelings about the holidays? You’re not alone! While we’re busy making the season merry and bright, we often end up crushed by a stressful load of gift lists, festive events, baking extravaganzas, and family gatherings. In this episode we talk about ways to honor the reality of grief and overwhelm while setting realistic expectations and finding moments of peace.
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Can woodland creatures and a task-oriented robot work together for a common purpose? What
possibilities lie in the intersection of nature and technology? Find out in this family-friendly film,
The Wild Robot. We enjoyed watching the movie together and we hope you’ll join us for a chat
about some funny moments, favorite characters, and deep universal themes. We’ll also explore
the beauty and brutality of the natural world and discuss the film’s unexpectedly on-point
depictions of parenthood and identity formation.
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Check out The Wild Robot movie trailer here:
https://youtu.be/njPNg0A9VpY?si=7engHk_OLJs7JMd-
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We’d love to hear from you!
Contact us with suggestions, feedback, or just to say hello at [email protected]
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Deep in the fog of jet lag, we share the joys and challenges of living and working across cultures. We discuss the profound impact of embracing life outside your comfort zone, from the fun of exploring new locations and foods to the challenges of loneliness and culture shock.
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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In this episode we discuss the transformative power of saying "Yes, and..." with improv expert Jeff Ash. Join us as we learn how improvisational skills can cultivate human connection, encourage self-discovery, and enhance professional and personal interactions.
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Jeff Ash is an improv performer, theater owner, and professional speaker with over 25 years of experience in improvisation. As the owner of Westside Improv in Wheaton, Illinois, Jeff has spent the past 10 years developing performers and bringing improv to Chicago's western suburbs.
Jeff has extensive experience applying improv principles in corporate settings, conducting training sessions, and speaking on the instrumental techniques of improvisation to positively influence behavior, enhance team dynamics, and improve both personal and professional relationships.
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Find out more about Jeff’s work and the world of improv comedy at Westside Improv (westsideimprov.com)
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Unrealistic expectations and the pursuit of perfection can lead to extra stress and shame in our lives. In this episode, we explore how comparing ourselves with others can set us up for feeling like a failure. What if we let go of the need to win and instead embraced vulnerability and a values-based approach to success? Join us as we explore the benefits of authenticity over perfection.
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We’d love to hear from you! Check out our website www.withuprojects.com, or email us at [email protected]
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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We end up on some of life's paths by choice, and some not so much. We find that we need extra motivation and equipment for the uphill battles or daunting tasks. Whatever path you're on, we hope that after spending some time with us you'll feel less alone and believe you've got what it takes to see it through.
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produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Do you see play as frivolous, extra, or even a waste of time? In this episode, we explore how play is not just for children. As adults, we need it for brain growth, creativity, relational health, and stress relief. We have so much to gain from play, and yet it can be the first thing to go when life gets busy. Join us today as we discover new ways to seek playfulness and fun.
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“Play: How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination, and invigorates the soul” by Stuart Brown and Christopher Vaughan
***Proyer, R. T., Gander, F., Bertenshaw, E. J., & Brauer, K. (2018). The positive relationships of playfulness with indicators of health, activity, and physical fitness. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1440.***Brauer, K., Stumpf, H. S. C., & Proyer, R. T. (2024). Playfulness in middle-and older age: Testing associations with life satisfaction, character strengths, and flourishing. Aging & Mental Health, 1-10.
***Tandler, N., Schilling-Friedemann, S., Frazier, L. D., Sendatzki, R., & Proyer, R. T. (2024). New insights into the contributions of playfulness to dealing with stress at work: Correlates of self-and peer-rated playfulness and coping strategies. New Ideas in Psychology, 75, 101109.
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produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Coming fresh from supporting the birth of our first grandchild, we dive deep into the topic of physical and emotional pain, and explore how it serves a purpose in our lives and relationships. Using personal stories and professional experiences, we highlight the difference between pain and suffering, explore the role of support and connection in reducing pain's impact, and stress the value of facing pain with understanding to encourage growth.
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Feedback of questions? Please email us at [email protected]
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Gone but not forgotten are the million people who died during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. During our visit to this beautiful country, we heard stories from almost everyone we met about how the events of their past still affect their lives today. Our guest, John Bosco Rumanzi, shares his story of being born as a refugee in Uganda and what it was like to come back to his country and learn about family members he would never meet. He tells us what he’s learned about the power of human dignity, cooperation, and hope.
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Check out the video of this podcast at the With U Podcast YouTube channel
Find extra photos of people & places mentioned in this episode at Withupodcast.com
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We’d like to introduce you to the projects and people we visited through the links below. Each of these organizations, people, or ministries is doing amazing and transformative work. Please look through the links, read the stories, and if you’re as inspired by them as we are, consider sending a donation that will make a big difference.
John Bosco Rumanzi, Navigators Rwanda
Emmanuel Ndolimana, Africa Bora Ministries
Pascal Ndagijimana, Humura Mission Agency
Jamie Boiles, Belay Global
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produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Sometimes you need to just push way outside what’s normal in your life. We’ve gotten pretty comfortable traveling, but a recent trip to Africa really stretched and challenged us. We made mistakes (hello, visa expediting fee!), met amazing people, and ate stuff we will probably never eat again. Tara resurrected her fear of baboons, David learned to push a truck out of the mud with a leopard lurking nearby, and we both ended each day grateful to be in it together.
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Check out the video of this podcast at the With U Podcast YouTube channel
Find extra photos of people & places mentioned in this episode at Withupodcast.com
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The people of Kenya are even more amazing than the beautiful landscapes and wild adventures we had. We’d like to introduce you to the projects we visited through the links below. Each of these organizations, people, or ministries is doing work we really believe in. We’ve seen them, eaten meals with them, talked to them, heard their struggles, and caught their vision for bringing hope and change to their country. It’s incredible how even the gift of hygienic products or a goat or skill training can radically change a life and a community. Please look through the links, read the stories, and if you’re as inspired by them as we are, consider sending a donation that will make a big difference.
Malooi Demonstration Farm, Kioko Mwangangi > Donate Here
Oasis Africa, Gladys Mwiti > Donate Here
Hope for Life Kenya, Josephine Kiarii > Donate Here
Maasai Transformation Project, Saruni Lemargeroi
Dignity 4 Girls, Sandi Helm > Donate Here
Second Chance Education Center, Kiplagat Misik > Donate Here
Youth Love, Max Njuguna > Donate Here
And, a shout-out to our wonderful driver, George Mutabari, who got us safely everywhere we needed to go. We’re not sure if he has a website, but if you ever take a trip to Kenya, you’d be in good hands with George at the wheel.
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Produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Join David & Tara as they talk about building the video podcast studio with an epic trip to IKEA. David learns to enjoy vegetarian meatballs and Tara puts the kibosh on setting a world record of living in the display rooms.
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We’re about to do something new! But first, a review: as we record episode #50 of the podcast, we are thankful for you coming along with us for connection, resources, and hopefully a few laughs. We will take a short hiatus for 2 months as we travel and teach. In the meantime, we need to hear from you! Please rate, review, and share the podcast to give us a boost and the will to go on — ha ha! No, really!
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produced by Zach Van Dyke
(He does amazing work! Drop him an encouraging message at [email protected])
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With U Podcast season 5 is coming up with some exciting new developments in September 2024. During our summer break as we prepare our new studio, we need to hear from you! We’ve listed links below to make it easy.
Post a Google review! If you’ve ever taken a class with David or Tara, or heard us speak, or had Tara’s support at your birth, a review or story here would be most helpful.
Rate & review the podcast.
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Follow us on Instagram
Email us with topic ideas: [email protected]
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How do we form our sense of self? In the movie Inside Out 2, we go deep inside the brain of a teenager to find out how self is constructed from memories, messages, and beliefs. As we follow the main character Riley into adolescence, we discover the importance of integrating both positive and negative experiences into our identity. Join us on this wild rollercoaster of emotional exploration!
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produced by Zach Van Dyke
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promotional pic by Disney
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We’ve been employed in many unique ways, from washing cars to working on a Hollywood movie set. Sometimes the path to a career can be full of unexpected turns, but each workplace can teach us something valuable to prepare us for the next step. We hope our stories of odd jobs — sometimes hilarious, sometimes grueling, and sometimes downright sketchy — will take the pressure off anyone who is still searching for their dream job.
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Do you want to see us working as extras in a French music video? You'll have to see it to believe it! (Hint: David is a camera operator and Tara is the dancing silhouette on the right.) Head on over to the show notes page on our website: With U Projects to check it out.
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produced by Zach Van Dyke
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Would you like to hear a dad joke? Dads and their corny jokes may be fun to tease, but we are thankful for fathers and their important role in our lives. Join us for memorable lessons learned from our own dads, ideas for fun father’s day celebrations, and a surprise tribute to David from our kids.
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see fun photos at With U Projects
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produced by Zach Van Dyke
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